University of Wisconsin–Madison
Jackie Olson is a senior majoring in Landscape & Urban Studies/Environmental Studies. She hopes to incorporate her knowledge of sustainability into her future designs, as well as pursue a degree in Environmental Law. She recently received the Michael Thornton and Nora Medina Social Innovation Award—a special honor made possible by a generous endowment fund for …
In recent months, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed everyday life across the globe—and, of course, on the UW–Madison campus. Alongside the new norms of social distancing, face masks, and supply shortages, countless events have been canceled or postponed. Thanks to internet technology, resourceful interns, and a tweaked schedule, however, the Office of Sustainability is delighted …
Interns Catie McDonald and Riley Collins collaborated with students, staff, and faculty at Texas Woman’s University to help make the 2020 Sci-Southwest Regional Symposium a zero-waste event, which means 90% or more waste was diverted from the landfill. Read the full story here.
In late October, staff and student interns from the Office of Sustainability traveled to Spokane, WA for the 2019 AASHE Conference. AASHE, which stands for the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, aims to “inspire and catalyze higher education to lead the global sustainability transformation.” The organization offers sustainability resources and toolkits, …
Norma Behrend-Martinez is a sophomore double majoring in Journalism and Environmental Studies. Brought up on Gene Roddenberry, Norma values differences in ideas and hopes to spread discussion on issues as an environmental journalist. She began interning at the Office of Sustainability in the summer of 2019 as part of the Communications and Green Office teams. …
Jackson Webster is a junior studying Environmental Science with certificates in Computer Science and Engineering for Energy Sustainability. He began his internship with the Office of Sustainability in the summer of 2018 as a member of the Green Office team, which consults with campus offices to provide sustainability resources for UW–Madison employees. Jackson is interested …
When you think of sustainability, what actions come quickly to mind? The definition of sustainability has expanded significantly in recent years, so that its well-worn associations—waste management and conservation, most prominently—are now complemented by a host of additional subjects. Equity, environmental justice, carbon neutrality, climate change, resilience, even straws: the list is long and …
Katie Piel is a rising senior studying environmental studies and communication arts with a certificate in business. She began her internship for the Office of Sustainability in January 2018 as part of the Green Office team, which trains offices around campus in sustainable practices. She believes in the power of individual action in the fight …