University of Wisconsin–Madison
In our “Where Are They Now?” series, current student interns interview former students about their experience at the Office of Sustainability (OS), particularly how that experience has helped them since graduation. In the following entry, Tia Gaffney relates her conversation with Rachel Schumacher, a student who was involved in the Zero Waste Team within the …
In a world in which college students are always on the lookout for a good (and free) meal, Free Food Alert has become the ultimate campus hack. Imagine you’re walking across campus, trying to decide what to eat for lunch, when suddenly your phone buzzes with an alert: Free pizza at the student center! Discover …
In February 2024, Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin announced a university-wide environmental sustainability initiative centered around five goals: launching the Sustainability Research Hub to accelerate interdisciplinary research and external collaboration; attaining STARS Gold as a framework to drive cross-campus involvement; creating widely accessible sustainability educational experiences for all interested students; becoming a zero waste campus through improved systems, engagement, and materials management; and …
Make your move in more sustainable with these tips! Whether you are living in one of our on-campus residence halls or off-campus, these tips will help you reduce waste and move in sustainably. 1. Plan ahead Plan ahead to avoid bringing extra or unnecessary items! Coordinate with your roommates to see if they’re already bringing …
Over the last three years, 21 labs on the UW–Madison campus have committed to becoming more sustainable by limiting waste, reducing energy consumption, and using greener chemicals. Through the Office of Sustainability (OS), these labs have completed the My Green Lab Certification Program to reduce their environmental impact and become early adopters of a system …
Are you curious about food waste and composting on campus? Maybe you’ve noticed compost collection bins are in some locations around UW, but not everywhere. The University of Wisconsin–Madison has been working on securing sustainable solutions to campus food scraps and food waste since 2009. From an initial pilot project to exploring anaerobic digestion and …
The University of Wisconsin–Madison has deployed four state-of-the-art AI recycling assistants called “Oscar Sort” (“Oscars”) across campus, marking an exciting step in the university’s commitment to sustainable operations, education, and research. The Oscars, which use technology developed by the company Intuitive AI, combine waste bins with interactive, digital displays that are designed to make waste …
Late last month, you may have seen UW–Madison’s Bucky the Badger dancing from Library Mall to Gordon Lawn, members of the marching band in tow with trumpets and drums, and students marching with signs that read slogans like, “Sustainability? Very Demure” and “Melt My Heart. Not My Planet.” The march ended on Gordon Lawn for the …
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, “edible food waste and scraps are the largest contributors to Wisconsin landfills.” While UW–Madison has set a goal to achieve zero waste on campus by 2040, there are many individual actions you can take to reduce your waste. To prevent food from going into the landfill, here …
Move in is a busy, exciting time on campus – and a great opportunity to incorporate sustainable practices and contribute to UW–Madison’s Zero Waste goal.