In This Issue

No New Gifts Challenge

Have you ever considered the scale of consumerism that we become part of over the holidays and its impact on the environment and our own sanity? 

In the spirit of this year's No Impact Campus Sustainability Week, we wanted to point you to a blog written by Leo Babauta—a man who plans to celebrate this season's holidays without purchasing anything new. He offers alternative gifting ideas and points out his reasons for taking on this sustainability challenge. Consider transforming your giving into a celebration that is good for the world and good for your soul.

Click here to read Babauta's article. Happy Holidays!

New NWEI Course: Choices for Sustainable Living

A new seven-week course will be offered this winter covering the topic of sustainable living. Including a discussion course book by Northwest Earth Institute, this course will explore the meaning of sustainable living and the ties between lifestyle choices and their impact on the earth. The discussion course provides an enjoyable, supportive setting in which to examine personal values and habits, engage in stimulating conversation, create meaningful community, and consider ways to take action towards creating a more sustainable future.

This course will meet weekly on Wednesdays from 1pm to 2pm starting Jan 18 to Feb 29, 2012.

For more information and to register, click here.

New NWEI Course: Menu for the Future

A second seven-week course will be offered this winter exploring the connection between food and sustainability. 

Discussion Course Goals:

• To explore food systems and their impacts on culture, society and ecological systems.
• To gain insight into agricultural and individual practices that promotes personal and ecological well-being.
• To consider your role in creating or supporting sustainable food systems.

Menu for the Future will meet weekly on Wednesdays from 1pm to 2pm starting March 14 to April 18, 2012.

For more information and to register, click here.

Transformation Research & Analysis Student Position

The City of Grand Rapids in partnership with Grand Valley State University is looking for a Transformation Research & Analysis Team Member. Members of this team will be dedicated to researching and analyzing areas of sustainable development best practices and interest identified by departments within the City.

Members of the Transformation Research & Analysis Team will be paid an hourly rate of $10/hour. Team members will also receive a letter of recommendation from the City Manager.

Application Deadline: December 9, 2011.

For more information, click here.