Check out the good word from our neighbors. Many of the community-related information is the same for Champlain!

UVM Campus Sustainability Newsletter
August 2019

As we anticipate the Class of 2023’s arrival, we are reminded of one of the reasons students come here: sustainability! In 2017, 42% of students said UVM’s sustainability reputation influenced their decision to attend. All undergraduates take a sustainability course as a graduation requirement. Starting this fall, there will also be sustainability classes offered for employees through Professional Development and Training! Learn how UVM walks the talk and how you can get involved.

CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SERIESLearn from campus experts about UVM sustainability initiatives and practices, why they matter and ways you or your unit/department could be more sustainable. Attend all three sessions to earn a certificate and be eligible to become a Sustainability Ambassador or pick and choose the topics you’re interested in!

10/14 – Introduction to Sustainability
11/18 – Transportation, Energy & Buildings
12/09 – Zero Waste and Dining
Full Session Descriptions | Registration

NEW BIRDHOUSE MADE FROM SALVAGED WOOD
A 14-foot tall birdhouse handmade by Physical Plant Director, Sal Chiarelli, was recently installed by Jeffords Hall. The wood used was repurposed from several renovation projects around campus. Learn more in this recent Across the Fence video episode.

DEPARTMENTAL ELECTRIC BIKE LOANER PROGRAM
Transportation & Parking Services (TPS) launched an e-assist cargo bike loaner program to give departments across campus access to an electric bike that could supplement the need for a fleet vehicle. Email us if you’re interested in exploring this option.

UVM Natural Area Highlight –
Centennial Woods

Centennial Woods is one of the most frequently visited UVM natural areas. This area contains over 65 acres of mature conifer stands, mixed hardwoods, fields, streams, and wetland areas. Within the city limits of Burlington and adjacent to the UVM campus, this area serves as an excellent natural laboratory to study the region’s plants, animals, and natural processes, as well as cultural history.

26% ‘REAL FOOD’ ACHIEVED ON CAMPUS
Achieving our goal of 25% Real Food two years ahead of the 2020 commitment, UVM Dining moves forward with 26% Real Food in 2019. This national, student-led movement requires food to be fair trade, ecologically sound, local, and/or humane in order to create a better food system for all producers & consumers.

POLICE SERVICES REDUCES IDLING
IdleRight systems were installed in nine police and emergency vehicles that will reduce idling up to 40% thanks to support from Transportation & Parking Services, Transportation Research Center, Emergency Services and the Clean Energy Fund. More here.

JOIN REAL FOOD WORKING GROUP
The Real Food Working Group is currently recruiting UVM faculty, staff, and student members for the 2019-2020 academic year. Email to get more information.

NEW RECYCLING WEBSITE LAUNCHED
The UVM Recycling & Zero Waste Program has a new website. Learn about recycling, composting and more! Visit their new site here.

DRIVE ELECTRIC FOR LESS
Rebates of up to $5,000 for the purchase of a 2019 Nissan LEAF are now available for students and employees of UVM. See rebate flyer for details. This exclusive offer ends September 30, 2019.

VOLUNTEER WITH A CAMPUS COMMUNITY PARTNER: INTERVALE
Intervale Center provides UVM’s dining halls with locally sourced, organic food. They are currently seeking volunteers!

ASK SPROUT
– grow your knowledge –

Dear Sprout,
What should I do if I have a compostable container but there is no composting bin available? How can I identify if something is recyclable or compostable?

When in doubt, throw it out! It’s confusing, but if compostable containers end up in the recycling, it will damage the recycling stream. The same goes for recyclables that end up in the compost bin.

As we move into a more compostable world, there are more materials on campus that are compostable. To identify these packages, look for branding by companies like Eco-Products, Vegeware, EarthChoice and WorldCentric.

The most sustainable option is the one that can be reused over and over again. Bring your own coffee mug, water bottle, reusable straw, and sign up for UVM Dining’s reusable EcoWare takeout program (Yes! It’s available to non-students in all dining locations!) to reduce waste in the long-run.

Stay sustainable! –Sprout