Tag Sustainability
Researchers find value in unusual type of plant material
UW-Madison scientists have shown that a recently-discovered variety of lignin, catechyl lignin (C-lignin), has attributes that could make it well-suited as the starting point for a range of bioproducts.
Eating crickets can be good for your gut, according to new clinical trial
The study shows consuming crickets can help support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, and that eating crickets is not only safe in large amounts but may also reduce inflammation in the body.
Nergard appointed 1st full-time director of sustainability
The new position reflects a renewed emphasis on sustainability and resource stewardship as well as an increased focus on sustainable operations in the university’s environmental stewardship efforts.
In a warming world, could air conditioning make things worse?
A team of UW–Madison researchers forecasts as many as a thousand additional deaths annually in the Eastern United States alone due to elevated levels of air pollution driven by the increased use of fossil fuels to cool the buildings where humans live and work.
Heavier rains and manure mean more algae blooms
A recent UW–Madison study shows that the increased frequency of high-intensity rain events is worsening phosphorus runoff from manure-covered agricultural fields more than scientists expected. A new effort aims to address this problem in Dane County.
Through ‘radical’ project, students are turning unwanted jewelry into pieces to be cherished anew
“Radical Jewelry Makeover: Wisconsin" draws attention to talented student designers while raising awareness about ethical metal sourcing.
GreenHouse program coordinator blends sustainability, student life
The learning community, one of 10 organized by University Housing, lets students explore sustainability and agricultural systems through seminars and hands-on experiences that are integrated with residential life.
Healthy competition makes habit of sustainability
A new analysis shows lasting reductions in electricity use among hundreds of players of the Cool Choices game, which uses friendly competition to get energy-saving habits to sink in.
Farm to Flavor dinner showcases vegetables bred for flavor
Only deep, earthy beets, rich sweet corn and bright kale were fit for the Farm to Flavor dinner, a showcase for vegetables bred specifically for intense flavor by the UW–Madison plant breeding network the Seed to Kitchen Collaborative.
Green Fund supports energy-generating checkout, greenhouse cooling
Two projects are the first to be supported by a new UW–Madison Green Fund administered by the Office of Sustainability.
Donation and recycling encouraged during August moving days
Many renters decide not to move unwanted furniture, clothing and other items to their new homes, instead just abandoning them on the curb. This year, there’s a better option.
UW professor helps promote sustainability throughout the state
Tom Eggert and his colleagues at UW–Madison are helping businesses showcase their sustainable practices through the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council.
Spring comes sooner to urban heat islands, with potential consequences for wildlife
It may be music to gardeners’ ears, but that tune could be alarming to some native and migratory birds and bugs.
Volunteers needed during University Residence Halls move-out
The Division of University Housing is recruiting people to help residents and their families say goodbye sustainably to items they no longer need.
New method for bio-designing yeast could improve biofuel production
Both the yeast strain and the method of its design could help overcome a significant bottleneck in the biofuels pipeline.
Campus dining spots going receipt-free
Beginning this semester, University Housing’s cash registers no longer automatically print receipts for every transaction. The Wisconsin Union is following suit, testing a similar change at select locations that should roll out across campus next week.
Heat waves hit heat islands hardest
Extreme summers like that of 2012 - which saw record temperatures in cities across the U.S. - may be atypical, but experts say they will return, especially as the planet warms under climate change. And as they do, cities will be especially vulnerable.
Volunteers needed during residence halls move-out
As more than 7,400 students prepare to move out of the university residence halls, the UW–Madison Division of University Housing is asking for volunteers to help residents and their families repurpose or recycle items they no longer need.
UW-Madison startup marries digital, physical worlds
A startup business that wants to link the realm of physical objects to the digital world of the Internet is basing its future on low-cost, highly engineered, one-of-a-kind plastic stamps.
‘My Earth’ energy-tracking app encourages sustainable behaviors
For a generation motivated by technology and fast-moving information, a professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison has created an energy-tracking app to make reducing day-to-day energy usage more accessible.