MyLU Insider

Grace Subat

Author: Grace Subat

Sustainability Training for Employees Correction

We would like to make a correction to the email that was sent to you on Tuesday, March 22. The sustainability training will not be mandatory for faculty and staff. We acknowledge everyone’s busy schedules and do not wish to add more burden.

We do still highly encourage you to complete this training for the betterment of our community.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email Grace Subat at grace.c.subat@lawrence.edu.

Sustainability Steering Committee

Co-chairs: Grace Subat and Relena Ribbons

Connecting Environmental Sustainability with Music

The piece “One World” tells the story of how LU student Jim Yang (Env. Studies and Music Performance major and founder of LU Environmental Organization) was inspired to participate in environmental sustainability work. After breathing in exhaust fumes from vehicles on the street, Jim realized that the health of our planet is connected to our health.

Composed by Taylor Hallman

Performed by Jim Yang

Sustainable Menstruation Survey

The LU Environmental Org. just received funding to provide menstrual cups and reusable pads to any student who would like to have them FOR FREE. If you menstruate, please consider taking this completely anonymous survey! Responses will give us more information about how many of each product to order. THE SURVEY IS DUE ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 12 AT NOON!

Some background: reusable period products are different from standard tampons and pads because they can be cleaned/reused, they are not full of chemicals, they are eco-friendly and help divert waste from the landfills, and they may help combat period poverty. The LU Environmental Org. is collaborating with SAASHA, LUDWiG, the Food Pantry, and the D&IC. The products will be available in the Food Pantry (in the basement of Sabin House) and in the D&IC in an accessible location. For those on campus, delivery will also be an option as well as a possible tabling event in Warch.

Please contact Lauren Kelly (LU Environmental Org. president) at kellyl@lawrence.edu with any questions!

Links: https://www.organicup.com/product/organicup/ (menstrual cup information–OrganiCup) https://youtu.be/o9fPUfm-uYE (how to use menstrual cups–YouTube video) http://www.teamoy.com/home/73-teamoy-reusable-sanitary-pads-ty06401.html (reusable pad information–Teamoy)

Debunking Recycling Myths

Myth: You need to remove all labels before recycling glass, plastic or aluminum containers. 
Fact: You do not need to remove the labels on glass, plastic or aluminum containers. The heat generated in the manufacturing process removes the labels. 

Myth: You must remove your beverage container cap before recycling. 
Fact: Caps and lids can be recycled too. Because caps can slip off conveyor belts during the recycling process, empty the bottle, cap it, and toss into the recycling bin. 

Myth: You are required to remove staples, labels and stickers from paper before recycling. 
Fact: You do not need to remove staples, labels or stickers from paper products. The material is removed during the recycling process. 

Composting 101

 Why Compost?

Our food scraps & yard waste account for more than 30% of discards in the landfill. This organic matter is sent to the landfill where it decomposes without oxygen and produces greenhouse gases. But, composting your organic matter can significantly lower your carbon footprint! 

How Do I Start Composting? 

STUDENTS: All residence hall floors have compost buckets that are taken to SLUG by a volunteer. Ask your CA where yours is! 

FACULTY & STAFF: SLUG accepts community compost! You can buy a compost bucket for your home and dump your compost at any time at the garden, located below the Warch Campus center, on the west side of Lawe Street, beside the river. If you are feeling ambitious, you can also create your own compost pile at home. Here’s a great resource where you can learn how: https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home 

SLUG accepts: 

  • Fruits and vegetables 
  • Rinsed eggshells 
  • Grains 
  • Coffee grounds + filters 
  • Tea bags without staples 
  • Newspaper 

SLUG does NOT accept: 

  • Meat, fish, & bones 
  • Dairy products 
  • Fruit/vegetable stickers 
  • Tea bags with staples 
  • Pet waste 
  • Oil & greasy foods 

Green Living

Want to live a greener life and help LU reach our sustainability goals? Here are some ideas you can put into action to make a difference! 

How to Reduce Waste: 

  • Don’t throw away plastic bags; bring them to the Warch Campus Center, Seeley G. Mudd library, or a grocery store to be recycled.  
  • Use reusable water bottles, mugs, and shopping bags whenever possible 
  • Make sure recyclables end up in the recycling bin. Recyclables that are put in the trash end up in the landfill. 

How to Eat Sustainably: 

  • Sign the pledge to participate in LU Meatless Mondays 
  • Buy produce with marks or bruises that is still edible. Grocery stores often throw this produce out. 
  • Compost your food scraps- you can bring them to SLUG or create your own pile! 

How to Conserve Energy & Water: 

  • Turn off and unplug appliances when not being used (hair dryers, coffee makers, phone chargers, etc.) 
  • Make sure lamps are using LED light bulbs. LED light bulbs use less energy and last up to 10 times longer than compact fluorescents 
  • Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth, shaving or washing your hands.  

Campus Race to Zero Waste

From January 31st to March 12th, every time you bring a reusable clamshell or reusable bag for dining at Andrews Commons, you will get a slip to enter yourself into a drawing for $20 in dining credit! Winners will be selected WEEKLY until the end of winter term. Reduce your waste! Reuse items when possible! Recycle properly, rinse it and use the right bin!