Research has shown for decades that while attitudes toward sustainability issues are often high, sustainable behaviors (aka actions) are significantly lower. Sustainability requires action. We can't think our way to a sustainable future; we have to go out and build it.
Get started TODAY:
- Speak up for sustainability within your groups/network
- Advocate for sustainable choices on campus, in the classroom, at home, and in the community.
- Take classes relating to sustainability
- Attend UMD and local community sustainability events
- Join a sustainability-focused Student Organization or Committee.
- Encourage others to get involved, start a club or organization, or pursue a sustainability-focused class project.
Get in the know
We send out irregular and sporadic emails to folks that want to know what is going on around campus and in the community, opportunities to get involved, and other quirky factoids that may or may not be worth your time. You don't know until you try, so click the shiny button below to sign up (you can also indicate interest in volunteering on this form, or not, you do you)!
Use your strengths
Each person has unique talents they can apply when taking action for a cause. This short changemaker quiz can help you identify and lead with your strengths:
Find your people
There are over 275+ student organizations at UMD. A few highlights:
Eco Reps
Students in Eco Reps design, implement, and advocate for sustainable initiatives and peer-to-peer education. If you're passionate about sustainability, are interested in being more sustainable, or just looking for a way to get involved at UMD along with other committed students, contact Matthew at [email protected] for more information or assistance.
Plant The Revolution
Support sustainable agriculture, the UMD Land Lab, and student farmers through this food and farming focused group.
SEE Change
SEE Change is a non-profit, non-partisan, student funded, student led, statewide, grassroots advocacy organization that is focused on improving the community, as well as focusing on state, national, and global issues. We organize on Issues such as the Environment, Youth Voter Engagement, and Affordable Higher Education.
Helping Hives
This group goes above and BEE-yond for, you guessed it, BEES! And other pollinators, native plants, and have installed the first apiary on campus so you can also learn about beekeeping!
Volunteer
Campus Clean-ups
A campus clean-up will remove litter that would otherwise get washed into streams, ponds, and Lake Superior. Join a planned campus cleanup OR host your own!
How to Host a Clean-up:
1. Contact the Sustainability Office ([email protected] or call 218-726-8375) at least 1 week in advance.
2. Request gloves, bags, and safety vests (as needed) for your group size
Day of Campus Clean Up Instructions
Invasive Species Removal
Tools and supplies will be provided by RSOP. Email [email protected] to get involved.
Land Lab
The UMD Land Lab does more than just grow vegetables and needs many hands to keep operations running smoothly. Whatever your interests or skill level, there's a place for you at the Land Lab. Contact Matthew van Wageningen for more information at [email protected].
Events & Outreach
Our work depends on peer to peer education and messaging to shift behaviors and actions toward more sustainable choices. We will train you to talk to other students about campus sustainability and choices and changes that students can implement in their own lives to be a Green Bulldog. We'd also love to highlight your skills/abilities to share with others -- and build community together. We also like to have fun and add a little spice to campus life -- join us!