This semester, the Campus Sustainability Initiative celebrated the first annual Campus Sustainability Week (October 24-28), intended to highlight student organizations and university programs that are working to make UMass Amherst an environmentally conscious institution.
The first day of sustainability week coincided with National Food Day, which was organized to promote sustainable practices in agriculture, expand access to food and emphasized the importance of”real food”. Local specials were featured in all Dining Commons, and community members were given a chance to get some exercise on a “Sustainable UMass” bike tour. The day’s events came to a close with a screening of the documentary “Food Inc.”
Wednesday, the UMass Libraries Sustainability Resources Faculty Workshop took place in Library rm. 2601. This gave faculty a chance to explore the sustainable resources the library has to offer.
Students and faculty from the UMass Architecture and Design program’s Design Engagement Studio, in collaboration with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, held a student workshop Wednesday evening. The group is working to establish a “Sustainable Knowledge Corridor” in the Hartford-Springfield region and the workshop was an opportunity for students to learn about the project and offer their insights about what they believe constitutes a “sustainable community”.
Due to inclement weather, activities resumed on Friday and the “Campus Sustainability Green Zone” came to life, featuring representatives from a multitude of student groups, refreshments courtesy of the UMass Permaculture Initiative and the weekly appearance of the Student Farmer’s Market. Industrial Waste, a faculty string ensemble, also shared their musical talents with guests.
Passerbys had the opportunity to speak to active members of organizations, ask questions and sign up to receive additional information from different groups. Tabling groups included Garden Share, People’s Market, Greeno Sub Shop, Living Routes, MassPirg, UMass student representatives from The People’s Movement and the UMass Permaculture Initiative, to name a few. The Green Living Project's Mobile Tour RV was also parked nearby and available for exploration.
If you are part of a group that would like to participate in future Campus Sustainability Initiative events, please contact us at sustain@admin.umass.edu.
