Dorm Sustainability
Planet Blue
One of the University of Michigan's largest existing program that promotes sustainability is the Planet Blue program. Planet Blue's main focus is to get cooperation of everyone to achieve their goals, which would include faculty, students and staff.
Goals:
- transforming old buildings into more sustainable ones
- creating leadership roles and team-building, and educational outreach
Opportunities to get involved:
- Planet Blue Room
- Ambassador Program
- providing information about sustainable behavior
Current University of Michigan Programs
Kill-A-Watt
The University of Michigan has implemented a dorm verses dorm competition called the Kill-a-Watt program, where students in dorms compete to reduce their energy consumption.
Goals
- Reduce their consumption by at least 15%
- Winning dorms granted bragging rights
Students have many opportunities to win other prizes, too.
To sign up, visit www.killawattum.org
Other Programs
Don't Dump It, Donate It
Encourages students during move out week to donate their old furniture and other unwanted items, rather than trashing it.
Composting
Introduced to students who can take their leftovers and dispose of it in compost sites around campus. Used by Beansters, Taco Bell, Wendy's as well as other on campus restaurants.
Recycling Champions
Winning buildlings will receive awards based on different categories including "most improved" and "waste reduction."
Big House Recycling
Plastic bottles and containers are now recycled after each game.
Planet Blue has come out with a packet that is being distributed throughout campus and is available online that explains the various ways you can reduce your carbon footprint, save energy and conserve water. The link is available below.
The Planet Blue Room utilizes pledges in hopes that once a student signs the pledge, they promise to engage in sustainable behaviors that are listed on the pledge. A student must follow at least 25 of the 40 ways they can behave sustainably. To sign up, click the link.
The Ambassador Program certifies students in sustainable behavior education and teaches them how to practice it. The beauty of this program is that once students are certified, they can spread their knowledge throughout campus and help other students too. To become certified as a Planet Blue Ambassador, click on the link!
Planet Blue has come out with a packet that is being distributed throughout campus and is available online that explains the various ways you can reduce your carbon footprint, save energy and conserve water. The link is available below.
Recycling is important here at UM. There are various recycling programs you can contribute to in order to help the cause and reduce waste. Join the Recycling Champions competition and compete with other buildings in waste reduction. See if you can help beat the other buildings around campus and recycle everything you can!
The move out program "Don't Dump It, Donate It" has proven to be very successful during move-out. Not only does it make it easier for students trying to get rid of their unwanted furniture and belongings, it tremendously reduces waste. It also helps people in need that are looking for cheap things that don't have the money to purchase new. To learn more click the following link.
Composting is a new feature to UM. The Hill Dining Center, Pierpont Commons cafeteria, University Catering Services, and Palmer Commons all compost their unwanted and unused food. Not only do restaurants around campus engage in composting but students in dorms and living around campus can too! The Michigan League now offers composting for students.
Recycling is important here at UM. There are various recycling programs you can contribute to in order to help the cause and reduce waste. Join the Recycling Champions competition and compete with other buildings in waste reduction. See if you can help beat the other buildings around campus and recycle everything you can!