Sustainable and Well Res Life

February 16, 2016
Program Ideas
Need funding for an event? For sustainability-themed programs, fill out the Sustainability Program Funding application. For wellness-related programs, fill out the Wellness Program Funding application.  The Center for Sustainable Communities and Wellness Department will be reviewing applications frequently, but it is best to apply at least two weeks ahead of your program.

Ice Skating. Every Thursday until  March 10th there will be ice skating opportunities! Meet in front of the Union by 4:30pm. Rental ice skates are $5.00. This is a great time to get outside and bring friends and residents! More information.

 

Snowshoe hikes. Starting the 16th of February there will be snowshoe hikes being lead every Tuesday and Thursday. Meet at Recreational Services at 8:30pm. Recreational Services has lots of snowshoes that you or your or residence can borrow for free. More information.

Features and Updates
Summer Job Opportunities On Campus There are still several paid job opportunities for the summer on Luther Campus . Jobs such as restoration work or  Discovery Camp Teaching Assistant are great ways to gain experience and stay active.  For more information and to find applications visit  Sustainability work study .
 
 
 The latest on garbage. Most  days the Caf sends 600 to 800  pounds of food waste to the  landfill; that adds up to more  than two tons of food waste a  week! In January Luther  Sustainability conducted a study  in the Caf and found that  on  average students end up with .2  pounds of food left on their plate  after a meal. In an effort to  reduce food waste, try asking for  smaller  portions at first, and go  back for seconds if you're still hungry. Also make sure to compost any leftover fruits, vegetables, grains, breads, and napkins in the compost bin, and throw any meat, cheese or dairy away in the trash. Composted food decomposes aerobically, rather  than anaerobically, which produces significantly less methane, as well as producing nutrient rich soil. What you do matters! For more information or questions please contact Energy and Waste Fellow Sam Pollan .
Easy tips to be more sustainable
A Little Sustainability Goes A Long Way... D eveloping sustainable habits that you practice everyday can make a difference for the environment and  often saves money!


 

1. Bring your own bags. Next time you're on the way out the door to run to the store, make sure to grab some reusable bags. Every year there are 1 trillion plastic bags used; be part of the movement to reduce that number! If you do forget your bags sometimes, make sure to recycle your used plastic bags at one of the film recycling locations on campus.

2. Unplug or turn off your power strip. When your computer, cell phone or other electronics are not plugged into charge, power strips are still using electricity. Make a note to yourself until unplugging a power strip whenever it's not in use becomes a habit.

3. Always keep a reusable mug on hand. Have to start your day out with a cup of coffee? Bring your own coffee mug rather than using a throw away one! Carry a travel mug in your backpack and you'll always be set. Luther College dinning services offers discounts on any beverage such as coffee or hot chocolate if you bring a reusable mug! Improve the environment AND your budget.  

This newsletter is provided by the Center for Sustainable Communities in collaboration with the Luther College Wellness Department. The mission of the Center is to promote sustainability and be a catalyst for change on campus and in the region. We believe that physical wellness is an important component of sustainability, and advocate for the physical, mental, and emotional health of our campus and local community. For more information on initiatives at Luther and the outreach work of the Center for Sustainable Communities and Wellness Department, please visit:   www.luther.edu/sustainability and www.luther.edu/studentlife/wellness/.
Upcoming Events
On Campus

Wednesday, February  17
Shopping Shuttle
7:30-9:00 pm.  Meet at the Student Organizational Suite. The shopping shuttle runs 2-3 times a month to take students downtown and to Walmart.  Read more
Thursday, February 25
Sustainability Council Meeting 
4:15-5:15 in the Borlaug Room. Open to the campus community.
Saturday, February 27
Shopping Shuttle 11:00-12:30 pm. Meet at the Student Organizational Suite.  Read more
Student Spotlight
Elena Anderson 
Student Composter










Elena Anderson is a junior Environmental Studies major . She works with Luther College Sustainability to compost food waste. The compost is taken from campus to the Luther Garden where it is able to break down and ends up as rich, healthy soil. Elena thinks that composting is important because people need to be responsible for the waste they generate. Elena enjoys Luther College Sustainability because of the progressive goals and the edible gardens, because she really likes food. 
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