UGA Office of Sustainability

Not only does shopping small mean supporting your local neighbors’ dreams, but it also means contributing to a more sustainable economy and ecosystem. Shopping small can reduce the amount of miles the product has to travel in order to reach you, as compared to purchasing products online. This helps reduce air pollution, and reduces the amount of plastic and cardboard packaging used for shipping. In addition, buying from local vendors brings three times the economic return to your community. This helps increase the amount of money going to your schools, parks, and other community-focused initiatives. So this year, think about buying your gifts locally and spreading that holiday cheer by empowering the Athens!

Meet the OoS Campus Arboretum Intern Kendall Busher! Kendall is a senior horticulture major, and she grew up in Minnesota. As the Campus Arboretum Intern, Kendall’s role largely consists of mapping the different tree species across campus. She curates the arboretum while creating and leading walking tours. Kendall also works with Campus Kitchen and the Horticulture Club. What are some of your go-to sustainability tips?... I love the website Earth Hero. It is a really accessible site to buy zero waste essentials. I love buying solid forms of everyday products like shampoo, conditioner, and laundry detergent. It is more concentrated, lasts longer, and there are fewer fossil fuels wasted in transporting them since they are generally lighter. I also freeze all my food scraps until I drop them off to be composted. It saves my house from smelling and doesn't attract pests :) What’s your why behind your passion for sustainability? I have always been passionate about sustainability because of my love of flora and fauna. It really frustrates me to see the effects of human activity on the environment so I try my best to minimize my impact. Since marginalized people are most impacted by climate change, I also think environmental and social sustainability is important for creating just and equitable societies.

Today we’re spotlighting four people we are so thankful for: Kevin Kirsche, Tyra Byers, Jason Perry, and Megan Lee! Through passion, kindness, and humility, this team engages the community with practices and initiatives that help create a more sustainable UGA and Athens. In addition, they are constantly leading our interns in such a way that inspires and empowers them to fight for a more sustainable and just society. If you are thankful for Kevin, Tyra, Jason, and/or Megan, let them know in the comments below!

This year’s Thanksgiving comes during one of the most unusual years of our lifetimes. As we redefine traditions to accommodate COVID-19 precautions, reconsider our priorities, and continue the momentum of social justice movements, this Thanksgiving is a good time to reflect on the meaning and history of the holiday and our beloved land in Athens. In Athens, Creek and Cherokee land ownership was entirely extinguished between the 18th and 19th centuries. The Oconee War in the ...1800s over disputed land along the Oconee River even delayed the University of Georgia’s opening. Now, there is no more indigenous land ownership in Athens, aside from a few individuals. November is also Native American Heritage Month a time to commemorate the extensive history and culture of Native Americans. Thanksgiving values, such as the importance of gratitude and selflessness, originated through celebrations of harvest long before the settlers arrive. Additionally, Thanksgiving foods, such as corn and potatoes, were also derived from Native American cuisine and harvest. Check out our article, link in our bio, for additional resources and facts about Native American land in Athens.

Reducing fossil fuel emissions is more important than ever before, as the effects of climate change have been seen in our warmer winters, the increased intensity of natural disasters, and the severity of the 2020 wildfires in both Australia and California. Switching to renewable energy sources can help limit these effects by decreasing our dependence on energy sources that emit significant amounts of greenhouse gases. While the initial installation of renewable energy source...s can be high-priced, the investment pays itself off overtime by reducing power bills. To learn more about the ROI that can come from renewable energy, check out our latest article here: https://sustainability.uga.edu//renewable-energy-and-busi/ Graphic: @ameliarempe

UGArden's 3rd Annual Medicinal Herb Holiday Market will be held this Saturday (12/5) from 10a-2p. The market will be held at 2500 S Milledge Avenue. Stock up on presents for friends and family (or for yourself)! They will have a wide selection of UGArden medicinal teas, soaps, salve, lip balms, & new seasoning blends. All crafted with herbs grown at UGArden using organic practices. *This date is a correction from our most recent newsletter.

Meet our UGArden Compost Intern, Emma Kate Beckwith! Emma Kate is originally from Atlanta and is a third-year student majoring in parks, recreation and tourism management. She is also majoring in women’s studies with a minor in horticulture. Some of Emma Kate’s responsibilities as the UGArden Compost Intern include: harvesting, weeding, spalding, and using a tractor to till the compost. Emma Kate is also an ambassador for @ugawarnell where she serves on the diversity and equ...ity committee. Q: What made you interested in this position with OoS? A: I spent last semester doing a farm internship at the UGArden and I loved it, so I thought this would be a great way for me to stay connected with the farm while also learning about composting. Q:What are some of your go-to sustainability tips? A: I like to keep reminding myself of the importance of recognizing my ‘needs’ vs ‘wants’ when it comes to contributing to the societal promotion of endless consumption. Q: What’s your why behind your passion for sustainability? A: I like that a sustainable land ethic comes from caring for the land while caring for its people. It’s important to me to study the intersectionality between all forms of sustainability, especially when it comes to groups of people that might be more heavily impacted by sustainability issues.

Reminder that today is the first day of our sustainability scavenger hunt with @thechapelbelluga! Check out our stories each day for a new clue and be on the lookout for this sticker. When you find the clue, DM us or @thechapelbelluga a selfie with it. First person to DM us that day wins a prize package that includes: a succulent, a t-shirt, a reusable water bottle, a reusable bag, a copy of TCB, and a sticker. So grab your mask and take an adventure outdoors today!

UGA students can stream the award-winning Hearts of Glass documentary now until October 30th for free at https://watch.showandtell.film/watch/uga. The documentary showcases the entrepreneurial journey of Vertical Harvest: a sustainable indoor farming business that provides meaningful work for people with disabilities. Students are also invited to join in on a Zoom panel this Tuesday at 4:00 p.m., where there will be a discussion with Vertical Harvest employees, the Hearts ...of Glass filmmaker, a Clarke County School District Special Education Teacher, and UGA faculty. Students can register for the panel here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cn7wp08WRZuaG7hAPn0SjA Special thanks to UGArden, University of Georgia Department of Horticulture, Institute on Human Development & Disability / UGA, and Georgia Master Gardener Program for helping students access this film. #sustainableuga #HeartsofGlass #VerticalHarvest

Getting a native plant for the pollinators in your local area is a simple and effective way to help maintain our natural ecosystems. Even if you don’t have a garden or backyard, it can still be as easy as planting a flower in a pot on your front porch. Check out the Fall Native Plant Sale with the State Botanical Gardens of Georgia to purchase a native plant for your local pollinators. Link in bio.

Don’t have time to wait in line? Just received your mail-in ballot and not sure what to do with it? Make sure you request your ballot by Oct. 30, and once you receive your ballot, make sure you follow the instructions closely to ensure your ballot is counted. For example, you can only fill your ballot out in a blue or black pen, and Georgians are not allowed to take a selfie with their ballots. If you are registered to vote in Athens-Clarke County, you can drop your completed ballot off at any of the locations listed on the second slide. Check the link in our bio for the ACC informational page for the election. Graphic: @melaniequinton_art

The farmers market can be an intimidating place for someone who's never been, especially during a pandemic. However, the Athens Farmers Market is approachable for newcomers and veterans of sustainable shopping. Check out Sustainable UGA's guide to the Athens Farmers Market for everything you should prepare and expect before visiting the next Saturday morning you're available. Video/Editing: Sherry Liang Music: "Jazzy Frenchy" by http://bensound.com Athens Farmers Market Website: http://athensfarmersmarket.net

Meet OoS Graphic Communications Intern, Amelia Rempe! Amelia is a senior graphic design major from Atlanta, Georgia. As an intern, Amelia develops creative graphics for our sustainability efforts, content, and initiatives. Not only are her graphics used for our social media, but they are also used all across campus for recycling bin signage, OoS stickers, and sustainability initiative posters. Q: What is one of your go-to sustainability tips?... A: Cut-down on buying new furniture by painting an old piece of furniture you already have! You can also shop vintage when looking for furniture as opposed to buying from a company that might have to produce an entirely new piece of furniture. This can help reduce the amount of wood, metal, glass, fabric, leather, and foam waste that ends up in our landfills. Q: Why did you decide to get involved with OoS? A: I got involved because I wanted a way to incorporate Sustainability into my academic career while here at UGA even though I couldn’t add on any sustainability-related courses due to my full course schedule. I saw the application for the Graphic Communications Intern and thought it was a great way to get involved and learn more about sustainability in Athens.

We are now three weeks out from Election Day, and in-person early voting officially began yesterday at the Board of Elections Office in downtown Athens. Whether you are submitting your mail-in ballot or waiting in line to cast a vote, make sure you know where you’re going before you head out the door. On the second slide, you can find a list of early voting locations in Athens. Check the Athens-Clarke County Board of Elections page, linked in our bio, for a detailed schedule of early voting. Times for early voting varies by location. Graphic: @northropdesign

With the losses and anxieties surrounding Covid-19 and 2020, many students may be facing an increased set of mental health challenges this year in addition to their regular struggles. As our days get shorter and the weather gets colder, take notice of how this affects you and your loved ones. Understand and affirm the validity of your and/or other’s experience with seasonal affective disorder. Negative stigma surrounding mental illness can often make it difficult for peopl...e to open up about their struggle and seek professional help. The World Health Organization reports that one out of every four people struggle with a mental illness. However, two-thirds of those people never receive professional treatment. Continue to fight against negative mental health stigma by initiating open and honest conversations with your peers and providing a safe space that is free of judgement. This post was sponsored by @thechapelbelluga and OoS positivity campaign. To learn more about seasonal affective disorder and other resources, read our Q&A article with Dr. Alan Stewart here: https://sustainability.uga.edu//how-weather-and-nature-af/

Consider bringing your local farmers into your weekly grocery shopping routine! Not only does this support our local economy during these unpredictable times, but it also enables us to work towards a more sustainable food system. Athens Farmers Market: 8:00 am-12:00 pm on Saturdays at Bishop Park Daily Co-Op: 8:00 am-7:00 pm on Mondays-Fridays and 10:00 am-7:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays at 523 Prince Ave... Opa Robby’s Market: 11:00 am-3:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays at 3129 Atlanta Hwy (also available for online orders) Can’t make it to the farmer’s market? Then consider participating in some of the online farm stands or CSAs. CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. They give you the opportunity to receive a diversified weekly share of produce from local farms, thus allowing you to try an array of fresh seasonal fruits, herbs, and vegetables. Some CSA’s will even deliver your produce right to your doorstep. #eatlocal #supportsmallfarms

Meet the OoS Foodshed Intern, Whitney Barr! Whitney is in her third year of the UGA Masters of Landscape Architecture program. She is originally from Columbia, South Carolina. As an intern, Whitney works with UGA Fooshed a project of the Sustainable Food Systems Initiative that is focused on partnering UGA resources with the fight against food insecurity in Athens. Q: What are some of your go-to sustainability tips?... A: I love to reuse materials and to save my seeds! You can also help reduce waste by freezing leftover veggies and chicken bones for broth. Another tip is to plant pink eyed peas in your garden for nitrogen fixation. My Oma and I used to do that and then use the leaves for salads or saute. Q: What’s your why behind your passion for sustainability? A:I’ve been battling endometriosis and multiple surgeries for years. I eventually decided I wanted to stop taking pain medicine on a daily basis. So I started a small garden and restored my peace. A few gardens later, I realized I wanted to find new sustainable and scalable ways for Black and Brown people to be able to nourish their minds, souls, and bodies through culturally relevant, edible landscapes. I want people who look like me to feel connected to these spaces and for us all to remember that food is about so much more than consumption. I love working with Foodshed because it honors inclusive forms of sustainability.

As elections season wraps up and the runoffs get underway, you may be wondering: what now? Our Communications and Envision Athens Intern Angela Higginson created a guide to lobbying, and how you can get involved. Lobbying can come in several forms from simply calling your local representatives to working with advocacy organizations. While voting is a huge step in performing your civic duty, citizen lobbying can keep elected officials accountable and advance policies that me...an the most to you and your community. Spreading the message to simply a few people around you, whether through social media or even your closest friends, can make a substantial difference especially off-election season. Graphic: @ameliarempe

Grab your roommates, take a study break, and join us for our first ever on-campus sustainability scavenger hunt next week! The scavenger hunt will take place over a five-day period, with different on-campus locations featuring UGA sustainability initiatives and resources. There will be a different winner for each day, meaning a total of five chances to win the award package! This activity is a part of a new positivity and sustainability campaign with @thechapelbelluga and the... Office of Sustainability. With the challenges of Covid-19, we recognize that many students may be missing the joy that comes with exploring UGA’s campus as well as meaningful ways to connect with peers. Before everyone leaves for the holidays, we want to encourage students to engage with UGA’s sustainability resources in a fun, exciting, and safe way! Students are expected to wear a mask during this event. Students are also encouraged to participate with their roommates in order to minimize person-to-person contact. Follow us and @thechapelbelluga for more updates! Feel free to DM us with questions.

UGArden, UGA’s student and community-based farm, is now selling teas, bulk herbs, lip balms, and other products! All of the herbs are grown using sustainable & organic practices. Most products are under $10 the products can be purchased online and picked up at the farm. Check out the link in our bio for more details and purchasing options.

Meet our @ugachewcrew Intern, Samantha Siragusa! Samantha is originally from Kennesaw and is in her final semester of the UGA Masters of Natural Resources program. After graduation, Samantha will be working with the Georgia Aquarium’s guest programs! We are so proud of all her hard work and are excited to see her continue her passion for sustainability in this next chapter of her life! Way to go Samantha! Q: Why did you decide to intern with OoS?... A: I love the community the office builds with the interns. Everyone is very supportive of each other. I was interested in the Chew Crew position because I enjoy working on restoration projects and learning about invasive species. Q: What are some of your go-to sustainability tips/ sustainability practices? A: Composting! We actually have a backyard composting system set up at my home back in Kennesaw. Q: What's your "why" behind your passion for sustainability? A: I want to change our world's systems and behaviors in a way that will lead to a more sustainable society, economy, and environment! I think if people were aware of all the issues surrounding sustainability, they would want to get involved and make a difference too!

Looking to reduce game day waste? Good news: ALL paper cups in Athens are now recyclable! Those coffee cups and paper soda cups that you’ve been taught to throw away can now be recycled in any Athens recycling bin as long as you follow a few simple steps. For example, when you’re done with your cup of coffee, pour out all of the drink, separate the lid and the cardboard sleeve from the cup, and place all three separate parts in the recycling bin. Why separate the different pa...rts of the cup? To help speed up the process for those who separate recycling materials! Although your wooden stirrers are not recyclable, consider composting them in one of the on-campus compost bins. Though these few extra steps might seem a little meticulous, they are extremely important in ensuring that our recycling efforts are as productive as possible. Cups that are not empty and are still filled with a significant amount of coffee or whipped cream can contaminate the entire recycling bin, meaning that the whole load might have to be sent to the landfills. According to the National Waste and Recycling Association, 25% of recyclable materials can’t be recycled because of contamination. So while you don’t necessarily have to rinse your entire cup out in a sink, just make sure that the drink has been emptied before you place it in the bin. Note that this initiative applies to far more items than just your coffee runs. Keep this in mind next time you’re about to throw away your ice cream cup, soda cup, or even a milk carton chances are if it’s made of paper, it’s now recyclable in Athens! To read more about other recycling tips, check out our latest article. Link in bio. (Graphic: @ameliarempe)

Applications for Spring 2021 internships with the Office of Sustainability are open now until Friday, November 13th. Students from all disciplines with a passion for creating a more sustainable Athens and UGA are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours next semester in order to participate in the internship program. Interns are typically required to work a total of 10 hours per week, including a weekly intern meeting. Feel free to DM us with questions and to visit the link in bio to apply.

The Office of Sustainability is officially accepting pre-proposals now until October 9th for the campus sustainability grants. Pre-proposals are only required for projects that incorporate UGA housing. However, the office still recommends submitting a pre-proposal in order to gain insightful feedback on your project idea. Final proposals will be due on November 16th. The campus sustainability grant funds student sustainability projects that help create a more sustainable UGA... and a more sustainable Athens. Full-time students from all majors are encouraged to apply. Special consideration will be given to interdisciplinary projects that advance equity and/or incorporate the arts. For more information, visit sustainability.uga.edu/grants. #uga #sustainableuga

We have families, especially with the unemployment rate going up, who are struggling to meet their basic needs. Oftentimes they are having to make decisions around whether they pay their rent, pay their utilities, or buy food. -Jenn Thompson, Director of the UGA Sustainable Food Systems Initiative As the implications of Covid-19 continue to adversely affect food-insecure communities, we as UGA students and faculty can choose to make a tangible difference by supporting our ...local organizations and making ourselves more aware of the community’s needs. Learn more about food insecurity in Athens by reading the full article here: https://sustainability.uga.edu//food-insecurity-poverty-a/ (Graphic: @ameliarempe) #sustainableuga #athens #foodinsecurity

November 3rd that’s tomorrow! It’s hard to believe Election Day is already here, and if you did not get a chance to drop off your mail-in ballot or early vote, there are still 12 hours for you to cast your ballot from 7a-7p tomorrow. Make a voting plan, check voting locations near you, and know your voting rights! Check the link in our bio for Athens-Clarke County voting resources. Graphic: @dubosedoodles

We are five weeks from Election Day 2020, and the registration deadline is fast approaching (Mon., Oct. 5)! It’s never too early to plan how you’re going to vote. Check out the second slide and the link in our bio for details on voting deadlines. Graphic: @rachelcarlsondesign #election2020 #registertovote

Meet our Bee Campus USA Intern, Sofia Franzluebbers! Sofia is a sophomore horticulture major from Watkinsville, Georgia. As an intern, Sofia works to raise awareness about on-campus pollinators. When she’s not working with pollinators, you can find her maintaining the hydroponic grow towers at O-House or working with @ugahortclub . Q: What made you interested in this position with OoS?... A: Previously I worked at the Botanical Gardens with native plants, which support pollinators, so I had done a lot of work with pollinators indirectly already through that job for 3 years. Also, in high school I chose to do a year-long research project about the nesting habits of native bees, so this job just seemed like the perfect next step in expanding my pollinator knowledge and passion! Q:What are some of your go-to sustainability tips? A: I love to reuse the plastic sauce cups from take-out restaurants. I clean them out and reuse them for salad dressing whenever I have to pack a to-go saladfor myself. Q: What’s your why behind your passion for sustainability? A: Humans have altered the world so much which is not always a bad thing, but it just means that we need to act responsibly. Since we have changed our ecosystem so much, we are responsible for helping plant and wildlife populations stay healthy and alive. I want a future that is green, where our grandkids can enjoy our planet.