Tag Sustainability
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.
Registration opens for ‘Building a Sustainable Self’ conference
Madison Student Personnel Association (SPA) will host its annual conference, “Building a Sustainable Self," Thursday, Oct. 30, at Union South. By promoting its theme of sustainability — relating to self-care, as well as creative approaches in education that ready students to step into their role as civic and workplace leaders upon graduation — the conference will offer opportunities for participants to pursue their work with a healthier, more strategic focus.
Winning climate change solutions range from meat processing to mindfulness
The Climate Quest competition to spur innovative climate change solutions is down to a field of five. At the Climate Quest Concept Pitch on Sept. 19, 18 teams presented their ideas to a panel of investors and entrepreneurs, who rated the ideas on many factors including creativity, scalability and potential impact. The panel selected five teams to advance to the next round of the competition.
Movers encouraged to donate and recycle to reduce waste and mess
As the mid-August downtown leases turn over, overflowing dumpsters and buried curbs contain many items that can be reused or recycled. In an effort to reduce landfill waste and increase community benefit, the UW–Madison WE CONSERVE program and Office of Sustainability are partnering with the City of Madison, Goodwill Industries, Society of St. Vincent de Paul and student organization REthink Wisconsin to collect and donate reusable items.