Community Garden Updates
The community garden, located in the Davis Quad, has seen lots of new growth since the fall semester, with more on the way as spring weather approaches. Both recurring and new garden bed owners are taking charge in growing their own herbs and vegetables this semester. Check out the garden to see what students are growing, and possibly get some inspiration for your own garden! Make sure to follow us on Instagram to stay updated on the garden throughout the year and be notified when future reservations will become available.
Composting on Campus
Did you know that many buildings on campus have compost bins, including Keck Center, Argyros Forum, and Beckman? These compost bins are commonly found in a trio alongside a trash and recycling bin (as seen below). Next time you have an apple core or some food waste, make sure to toss it in the compost bin rather than the trash!
Composting helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at landfills by promoting the uptake of carbon dioxide through vegetation and natural biodegradation.
Got Extra Hangers?
Help us collect hangers for our Regalia Reuse Program that allows graduating students to save their wallet and save the planet by reusing past graduates' gowns and caps! Check out the flyer for more information.
Sustainable New Year's Resolutions
Even though we are already into February, it is never too late to implement some new year's goals. This year, we challenge you to be more sustainable in some of your daily actions! Sustainability is a process - no one is perfect, but every little part counts. Become a part of the collective difference in helping to restore our ecosystems. Read through the following tips on how to incorporate more sustainability in your daily lives.
Incorporate Meatless Mondays
Eating less meat is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and produce less greenhouse gas. On average, the typical US consumer eats about five servings (17 ounces) of red and processed meat per week. According to the UN’s Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), meat and dairy account for more than 15% of the global greenhouse gas emissions produced every year. Take a trip to the Orange Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings to get some fresh seasonal produce and support local farmers!
Switch to Reusable Products
Have an extra jar lying around or a new water bottle or tumbler you got for Christmas? Don’t forget them on your next coffee run! Most coffee shops will provide a discount when you bring your own reusable cup.
Next time you go to the grocery store, don’t forget your reusable shopping bags and produce bags to reduce single-use plastic consumption.
Shop Secondhand
The Circle has a wide variety of antique and vintage shops where you can find unique clothing, decorations, or furniture! Buying secondhand helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are produced when making new pieces of clothing, furniture, etc. It also helps to prevent items from reaching the landfill, where they will sit for years on end, emitting more greenhouse gases.
Walk & Bike
If you live locally, switch up your mode of transportation! Give yourself some extra time and walk or bike to campus. Not only is it good for the environment, but it can also do wonders for your mental health (and eliminates the stresses of trying to find a parking spot in the Anderson Parking Structure!)
Drought Tolerant Landscape Progress
More drought tolerant landscapes are in development on campus. In the coming months you'll find new drought-tolerant plant sites off Glassell St, near Musco Center, and off Palm Ave, near Memorial. Check out these photos of the planting in action!
Events
On February 15th, Dr. Amalia Almada will be hosting a talk on “Centering Communities in California Coastal Research and Management!” This event will take place in Argyros Forum Room 201 from 12-1pm, where she’ll discuss some best practices on community engagement and other sustainable policy and ecology topics.
Learn more about the event here.
Article Picks
2021 yielded record plastic production, and a majority of it has not been recycled. Large companies like Exxon Mobil have shared figures and goals for their advancements in recycling. However, data has shown that despite their statements that they are “processing more than 80 million pounds of plastic waste per year”, they have continued to produce over 13.2 billion pounds of plastic polymers annually. To learn more about the impacts of polymer plastics and how we can improve our recycling efforts, read this New York Times article.
Gas stoves often emit many gases that can’t be detected by the average person. While you may not realize, your gas stove is emitting nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and fine particulate matter every time you turn it on. Even when the stove is off, it’s emitting methane gases that contribute to global warming and worsen the air quality inside your home. Read into this article to further look into the heated debate regarding the installation of gas stoves in homes across the country.
By the year 2050, the effects of antimicrobials, also known as superbugs, could have devastating impacts on agriculture, humans, and animal health. By 2050, annual human deaths caused by superbugs will rise from 1 million annually to 10 million. In addition, it's projected that superbugs could cost the global GDP up to 3.4 trillion dollars annually in damages. To learn about how the world is planning to resolve this problem, read this article from the Wall Street Journal.
