Bright Green News from the Office of Sustainability

[Kira STOLL]

October 2019

 

Zero Waste October is here!

Pledge Zero Waste We are calling on the campus community to join us in celebrating, highlighting and achieving zero waste through a diverse series of events and gatherings; Zero Waste October is educational, productive, and invigorating. The newly formed student-led Zero Waste Coalition along with Facilities Services has a . calendar for Zero Waste October and onwards. Take the Zero Waste October Pledge today >>

 

Headlines

Berkeley Students: ‘Let’s demand climate action’ Hundreds of students, staff, faculty and community members packed onto UC Berkeley’s Sproul Plaza on Sept. 20, joining millions across the world for a Global Climate Change Strike. The global strike, inspired by 16-year-old activist Greta Thunberg, had a simple and urgent message: “Our house is on fire — let’s act like it.” Read more >> Also read Professor Dan Kammen’s Op-ed >>		UCB is Bee Friendly As of Sept. 3, UC Berkeley became one among five other California campuses certified a Bee Campus USA. Through the Xerces Society, a nonprofit environmental organization, “bee campuses” raise awareness of the essential role of pollinators. “UC Berkeley is a long-standing advocate for environmental protections — it’s been at the forefront of some of the biggest movements in our nation,” Taylor Rein, UCB’s lead said. “Right now, we’re supporting a pollinator conservation movement.” More >>

 

Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Sustainability Established in 2003, the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Sustainability (CACS) promotes environmental management and sustainable development on campus.  The Committee is charged with advising the Chancellor on matters pertaining to the environment and sustainability as it directly relates to the UC Berkeley. Membership is drawn from faculty, staff, students and alumni and meetings are open to everyone. If you are interested in attending a Fall meeting email sustain...@berkeley.edu.  For more information on CACS >>		DeCal, Zero Waste & a Sustainable Future  When Sage Lenier first offered her course two years ago, there were 25 students enrolled. Now, there are more than 160 students in the class and another 45 on the waiting list..  The course begins with learning about the science of modern waste streams and the history of “trash,” then dives into the circular economy, cradle-to-cradle design, the industrialization of modern food, sustainable cities and architecture, climate change and politics and decarbonization. More >>

 

Vessel Reusable Cup Pilot No need to fret if you forget your reusable mug, but still want to get your warm or cold drink of choice without generating disposable cup waste. Similar to checking out a book, you'll be able to check out a stainless steel reusable mug (and silicone lid), enjoy your drink wherever you wish, then return it to participating cafes and restaurants. It's completely free (unless you don't return the mug and lid in 5 days). Sign up & read more >>		Go Bears, Go Green Living in Campus Residence Halls! Learn more about how to live sustainability on UC Berkeley's campus with the Housing and Dining Sustainability Advocates team!  Watch the video here >>

 

UC News

UC Divests from Fossil Fuels Believing that fossil fuel investments pose a long-term risk to generating strong returns, the University of California system announced a decision to completely divest its $13.4-billion endowment of holdings in fossil fuel companies by the end of September 2019. Its $70-billion pension fund will also be divested. Read coverage from the LA Times and The Daily Californian >>		UC Declares Climate Emergency The University of California has joined forces with more than 7,000 colleges and universities around the globe to declare a climate emergency and commit to urgent action to address the crisis. UC Berkeley’s Chancellor Christ, along with the nine other Chancellor’s and the UC President have signed on to this declaration. Read more >>

 

News & Awards

AASHE Congratulates 2019 Sustainability Award Winners  Apply for a TGIF mini-grant by Friday, November 1st, 2019 by 5pm Register by October 15 for EPA's 8th Annual Campus RainWorks Challenge Jerry Brown launches pan-pacific climate institute with China Berkeley News: “In media coverage of climate change, where are the facts?” 2020-21 grant cycle of the Chancellor's Community Partnership Fund has launched. SunShares helps Bay Area residents go solar and purchase electric vehicles Opt up for 100% Clean Electricity with East Bay Community Energy (EBCE) The Office of Sustainability is gauging interest in forming a Community of Practice focused on environmental topics and action. Fill out this interest form for an exploratory meeting >>         If you have any questions or concerns, please email sustain...@berkeley.edu. To unsubscribe from this mailing list, please click here or visit tinyurl.com/officeofsustainability.

 

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Kira Stoll, AICP
Director of Sustainability

Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration

University of California, Berkeley
510-642-0074
st...@berkeley.edu

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