There are a number of things you can do to help the environment. And the University of Miami’s Office of Sustainability—or Green U—works with staff, faculty, students, alumni, and community partners to promote sustainability throughout the University, while educating everyone on how to be stewards of the environment.
Learn how you can get involved today and explore a calendar of events organized by Green U.
Host a “green” event.
Departments can work with the University’s InStyle catering team to develop and customize menu offerings, which aim to source products locally and sustainably. Additionally, green events reduce the waste generated at an event by avoiding disposable paper and plastic products. Register for the Green Event 101 webinar on Oct. 6.
Shop and donate secondhand items.
University departments can recycle unneeded small office supplies through the ReUse Store, which partners with the Education Fund to support Miami-Dade County Public Schools in need of gently used office materials. The University’s Surplus Property Department is available to community members looking to shop for secondhand items, including furniture and equipment.
Learn more about ReUse initiatives.
University students can shop sustainably at UThrift, a free weekly pop-up thrift store on the Coral Gables Campus that gives items a second life and reduces waste. As part of the Green Move Out initiative, the Canes Resale Program takes thousands of pounds of items that are discarded during move out and redirects them to new or existing students on campus the following school year for a low cost.
Reevaluate research practices in the lab.
The Green Lab program promotes and supports world-class science by engaging researchers in best practices to enhance safety, conserve resources, and reduce waste. Through the certification process, researchers can evaluate and address the impact of their laboratory practices and make adjustments that promote sustainability. Enroll in the Green Lab 101 webinar on either Oct. 12, Nov. 9, or Dec. 7.
Get involved in gardening.
With thriving plots on all three campuses, University students and faculty and staff members can sign up to support a garden project. Volunteer to help with weekly maintenance activities—picking weeds, adding mulch and soil, and inspecting and rearranging plants—in the Sustainability Garden next to the John C. Gifford Arboretum. Garden volunteer workshops are on Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Complete the Green Office certification program.
The Green Office Certification Program is available to any department at the University of Miami determined to complete changes outlined in the program’s sustainability checklist, which addresses energy usage, waste reduction, and recycling, as well as educational components. Among certified teams are ’Canes Central; the UHealth Distribution Center in Medley; the Division of Facilities, Operations, and Planning; and the Graduate School administrative office. Save your spot for the Sustainability 101 webinar on Oct. 10.
Find sustainable ways to get to and around campus.
Trade in your parking permit and maximize alternative transportation options, including taking public transit, hopping on the Hurry ’Canes Shuttles, and riding your bike to campus.
As part of a long-term sustainability plan, the University is committed to expanding alternative mobility initiatives. Each year the Division of Facilities, Operations, and Planning on the Coral Gables Campus continues adding new electric vehicles to the division’s fleet. Additionally, more than 40 charging stations have been installed on all three campuses.
Become an advocate.
Ready to take on an active role? University students at all three campuses can get involved in various Green student organizations, including the Student Government ECO Agency. Motivated faculty and staff members have the opportunity to volunteer as Green Liaisons for their unit or department to help educate colleagues and inspire them to live and work more sustainably.
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