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Sustainability Newsletter

November 2023

Falling for Sustainability

Climate Leadership Spotlight Series: Higher Education

The next session of the Climate Leadership Spotlight Series is focused on higher education; the series is hosted by the Office of Sustainability and Office of Research and Innovation with the goal to highlight leading work and to bridge silos between sectors in the DFW area.

Mark your calendars for November 7, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Richardson IQ Headquarters. Get ready to be inspired by presentations from distinguished researchers, including Dr. David Lary, atmospheric scientist and professor of physics, and Dr. Shalini Prasad, Cecil H. and Ida Green professor and Department Head of Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering graduate program. The presentations will emphasize the environmental and societal impact of each research focus along with potential for collaboration or benefit to the region. Register to reserve your spot at this inspiring event!

New Electric Vehicle Chargers

In partnership with Facilities Management and Sustainability, Parking & Transportation installed five new Level 2 smart electric vehicle (EV) chargers, three at PS1 and two at PS3. Each station allows two vehicles to charge, for a total of ten vehicles to charge. The stations also provide an interactive experience, including a phone app that notifies the user when the vehicle is fully charged. Charging is available at $0.03/minute and is available for students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the campus.

Free Pumpkin Composting and Candy Wrapper Recycling

Compost your Halloween pumpkins with the UTD Office of Sustainability! From 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. on November 2, 6, and 10, bring your old pumpkins to be disposed of sustainably to the Plinth. Office staff will be present to answer your composting and zero waste questions. Please no pumpkins decorated with paint, beads, glitter, or other plastics and non-compostable materials. Please remove all interior lights and candles before composting.

Can’t make the event? Take our 10-minute online Comet Composting training to gain access to 11 public composting drop off stations on campus, open 24/7. The Office of Sustainability will also be collecting your leftover Halloween candy wrappers to be recycled at CM2 the entire month of November.

Spring 2024 Sustainability and Local Action Course

UNIV 3310 Community-Engaged Service Learning - Sust Dev Goals & Local Action is being offered again for the Spring 2024 semester — this time taught by your favorite sustainability coordinators! Throughout the semester, we will be actively involved in rehabilitating a segment of the Trinity River Audubon Center, providing you with practical, hands-on experience in habitat restoration. Lectures and interactive projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals will complement the field activities. Students will also learn about the different dimensions of sustainability, including the environmental, social, economic, and policy aspects.

Contact Avery.McKitrick@UTDallas.edu and Danielle.Dunn@UTDallas.edu to receive instructor consent for course registration.

The Greenhouse

Updates to the UT Dallas Eco Rep Blog

Marvelous Monarch Migration

See any Monarchs this fall? Ida shares about the Monarch migration through Texas.

Head to the Greenhouse! >

Spooky Waste

Trick or Treat! Alisa gives helpful tricks to reduce your Halloween waste.

Head to the Greenhouse! >

Halloween Pumpkins
and Their Many Uses

Anna carves up potential uses for pumpkins to save them from the landfill.

Head to the Greenhouse! >

Iceland: Land of
(and Powered By)
Fire and Ice

Curious about geothermal energy? Carolina overviews energy in Iceland.

Head to the Greenhouse! >

Sustainability Service Honors Highlight

Each month, we highlight Comets who give back to their communities through service. You can register for Sustainability Service Honors to be recognized for your service on the Sustainability website.

Volunteer of the Month: Amy Fowler

Degree Program: Healthcare Studies

Graduation Date: December 2024

Why she volunteers: Volunteering has exposed me to diverse perspectives and experiences which I find invaluable as someone who wants to pursue a career in healthcare. Cultural competence is an essential skill for the modern multicultural healthcare environment. Furthermore, giving my time to support causes that I’m passionate about is deeply rewarding emotionally.

Favorite volunteering experience: My favorite volunteering experience is the time I’ve spent at Cleburne Public Library. I greatly appreciated the opportunity to help foster literacy in young children and support their love of reading like how I was supported as a child.