https://www.uwlax.edu/news/posts/Campus ConnectionPosts tagged with 'Andrew Ericson':2024-03-13T10:05:29.34Zhttps://www.uwlax.edu/news/posts/reduce-reuse-reimagine/Reduce, reuse, reimagine2024-03-13T10:05:29.34Z2024-03-13T10:05:29.34ZChloe Harthttps://uwlax.edu/profile/chart/chart@uwlax.edu
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<p class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">10:05 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Wednesday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>March</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>13</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2024</span></p>
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<figcaption>The dumpster diversion program, a new partnership between UWL and Habitat for Humanity, will aid the city's Climate Action Plan goals and create learning opportunities for students.</figcaption>
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<h3 class="tagline">UWL partners with Habitat for Humanity for campus dumpster diversion program</h3>
<p><span data-contrast="none">As <a data-mce-href="/profile/ewhitney/" href="/profile/ewhitney/">Emily Whitney</a>, an associate professor of <a data-mce-href="/academics/public-health-and-community-health-education/" href="/academics/public-health-and-community-health-education/">public and community health education</a>,&nbsp;strolled through the Habitat for Humanity Restore in Onalaska, she got an idea.</span><span data-ccp-props="{">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="none">“I really wanted my Environmental Health students to learn more about the Restore and how their mission helps create sustainability through a circular economy — reusing and/or repurposing things rather than throwing things away,” Whitney says. “I also thought it would be great to collaborate on some type of project that would give students a chance to practice what they were learning.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{">&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="none">Her light-bulb-moment led her to Amy Smith, the sustainability director for Habitat for Humanity, who suggested a dumpster diversion program collaboration. With the involvement of <a data-mce-href="/profile/aericson/" href="/profile/aericson/">Andrew Ericson</a>, UWL’s Sustainability Program director, <a data-mce-href="/profile/sbrown2/" href="/profile/sbrown2/" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Scott Brown</a>, the Physical Plant director and <a data-mce-href="/profile/lwalker/" href="/profile/lwalker/">Lisa Walker</a>, associate director for Facilities, the program began to take shape.</span><span data-ccp-props="{">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="none">“The collaboration and teamwork from Andrew, Scott, and Lisa have been vital to moving this project forward,” Whitney says. “It absolutely could not be done without them.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="none">Ericson says that the dumpster diversion program will launch at the beginning of May. Five storage containers, or “pods,” will be placed near campus dumpsters, acting as collection sites for large items to be donated. The pods will remain for about two weeks, coinciding with move-out, and will be transported to the Restore to be sorted.</span><span data-ccp-props="{">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="none">“UWL is part of the larger La Crosse community,” Whitney says, “and we should also be working with our neighbors as well as local organizations and businesses to care for and give back to our community.”</span></p><p><span data-contrast="none">Beyond its community impact, the dumpster diversion program offers valuable educational opportunities for students.</span></p>
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<figcaption>Whitney sees the program as an opportunity got hands-on education experiences.</figcaption>
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<p><span data-contrast="none">“This project has helped students in my Environmental Health class learn several skills such critical thinking, problem solving, communication, adaptability, social marketing and applying theory to program planning,” Whitney says. “The students specifically worked on developing social marketing materials with messages that aim to encourage students to participate in the dumpster diversion program. The theme for the dumpster diversion program is ‘reduce, reuse, reimagine.’”</span></p><p><span data-contrast="none">Whitney sees the program as an opportunity for hands-on education experiences.</span></p><p><span data-contrast="none">“This partnership helps students from across disciplines to connect and care for our campus and well as our larger community,” Whitney says. “The initiative provides opportunities for faculty to create service-learning projects for classes that help students interact with course materials in a different way, while also connecting them to the La Crosse community.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="none">The dumpster diversion program aligns with the City of La Crosse’s <a data-mce-href="https://www.lacrosseclimateactionplan.org/" href="https://www.lacrosseclimateactionplan.org/">Climate Action Plan</a>, specifically its goals related to waste management and community collaboration.</span></p><p><span data-contrast="none">“Moving forward, the hope is this program will be sustainable and implemented every year,” Whitney explains.&nbsp;“By doing so, we will help divert items that can be used from ending up in the landfill, creating a more robust circular economy while also allowing new students to be part of the stewardship of our campus and community.”</span><span id="_mce_caret" data-mce-bogus="1" data-mce-type="format-caret"><span data-ccp-props="{"></span></span></p>
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<img loading="lazy" src="/contentassets/d2492d337f8a4841b98d59100cb0f8ab/2020-uwl-corona-virus-covid19-02132.jpg/Medium" alt="The dumpster diversion program, a new partnership between UWL and Habitat for Humanity, will aid the city's Climate Action Plan goals and create learning opportunities for students." />
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<span class="title">Reduce, reuse, reimagine</span>
<span class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">10:05 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Wednesday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>March</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>13</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2024</span></span>
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UWL partners with Habitat for Humanity for campus dumpster diversion program
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</span>https://www.uwlax.edu/news/posts/from-struggling-student-to-sustainability-advocate/From struggling student to sustainability advocate2023-12-18T12:09:53.45Z2023-12-13T09:07:00ZKjerstin Langhttps://uwlax.edu/profile/klang/klang@uwlax.edu
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<p class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">9:07 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Wednesday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>Dec.</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>13</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2023</span></p>
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<figcaption>Grace Lopez Johnson, UWL director of sustainability for the UWL Student Association, shares her experience finding a sense of belonging through her sustainability role on campus during the Board of Regents meeting Dec. 8 in Madison. Lopez Johnson is a political science major with environmental studies and professional and technical writing minors.  </figcaption>
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<h3 class="tagline">Grace Lopez Johnson shares her inspiring journey to find a sense of belonging through sustainability leadership </h3>
<p>When Grace Lopez Johnson started classes at UW-La Crosse in 2020, the pandemic’s impact left her feeling alone and struggling in online classes. She even considered dropping out of college after her first semester. However, Lopez Johnson’s college outlook completely changed after a friend encouraged her to attend a <a data-mce-href="/sustainability/get-involved/student-organizations/" href="/sustainability/get-involved/student-organizations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Students for Sustainability </a>meeting during her second semester. At the meeting she learned of an open seat for a sustainability director as part of the <a data-mce-href="/student-association/" href="/student-association/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UWL Student Association</a> and decided to apply, fully expecting the position to go to someone with more experience.&nbsp;</p><p>“While I’ve always been interested in sustainability and protecting the Earth, but making a real change always felt so out of reach,” says Lopez Johnson. “I didn’t exactly know what this role would involve, but I knew this could be my opportunity to actually do something.”&nbsp;</p><p>Lopez Johnson was surprised when she was offered the position and sworn in as director only a week later. What resulted was a complete 180 in her sense of belonging on campus. For the first time in a long time, she felt like she was part of something greater than herself. And the result was creating change that made a difference for the UWL campus and the Earth such as:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Organizing Sweaters for Sustainability- a gently used warm clothing drive to collect items for the houseless population of La Crosse.</li><li>Hosting Earthapalooza- a campus event to celebrate Earth Day with various sustainable groups, music and vegan food.</li><li>Helping to expand composting efforts on campus</li><li>Working with groups such as Students for Sustainability on various projects such as eco-bricking and advocacy work</li><li>Being the chair of Green Advisory Committee, a student led sustainability committee focused on bringing different environmental groups on campus together to collaborate on events, ideas and green fund grants</li></ul><p>“I found that it was possible to tie my passion for policy work to environmentalism and that people could actually make a career out of it!” she says. “Helping other students feel inspired by sustainability has been my greatest accomplishment in my years of doing this, and I’ve found that few things connect people like the passion to protect our planet.”</p><p><br></p>
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<h3>Political science studies deepen knowledge</h3>
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<figcaption>Grace Lopez Johnson, UWL director of sustainability for the UWL Student Association, with Andrew Ericson, UWL sustainability program manager, during the Dec. 8 Board of Regents meeting in Madison.</figcaption>
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<p>In <a data-mce-href="/academics/political-science/" href="/academics/political-science/">political science</a> classes Lopez Johnson was able to take her interest in environmental policy a step further. In one class she researched different environmental policies such as clean water access for minority groups and analyzed how public opinion influences energy sector policy adoption. In environmental literature classes she deepened her understanding of humans connection to nature, which led to an exploration of various sustainable writers and advocates.&nbsp;</p><p>Her involvement in sustainability also meant meeting amazing, passionate people on campus and expanding her worldview by being challenged and working through the difficult issues. Lopez Johnson will graduate in May 2024 and plans to eventually pursue a graduate degree in environmental policy.</p><p>Lopez Johnson shared her sustainability story with the UW-System Board of Regents on Friday, Dec. 8, in Madison as part of a session on sustainability.&nbsp;</p><p>“If I’ve learned anything from my time here, it’s that my voice, and all of ours, has power. It only takes one person to inspire a movement and become the change that once seemed impossible,” she said during the meeting. “Becoming involved in sustainability has not only kept me motivated to stay in school, but it has motivated me to keep fighting — to fight for myself, to fight for those who can’t, and to fight for a cleaner, healthier Earth, because it’s worth it.”</p><p><em>The UWL campus has many avenues to get involved in sustainability efforts as well as many achievements to celebrate. Learn more on the <a data-mce-href="/sustainability/" href="/sustainability/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UWL Sustainability website.</a>&nbsp;</em></p>
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<img loading="lazy" src="/contentassets/d2492d337f8a4841b98d59100cb0f8ab/grace-2.jpg/Medium" alt="Grace Lopez Johnson, UWL director of sustainability for the UWL Student Association, shares her experience finding a sense of belonging through her sustainability role on campus during the Board of Regents meeting Dec. 8 in Madison. Lopez Johnson is a political science major with environmental studies and professional and technical writing minors.  " />
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<span class="title">From struggling student to sustainability advocate</span>
<span class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">9:07 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Wednesday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>Dec.</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>13</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2023</span></span>
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Grace Lopez Johnson shares her inspiring journey to find a sense of belonging through sustainability leadership 
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</span>https://www.uwlax.edu/news/posts/sustainable-snow-solution/Sustainable snow solution2023-12-11T10:27:43.213Z2023-11-28T16:15:00ZKjerstin Langhttps://uwlax.edu/profile/klang/klang@uwlax.edu
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<p class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">4:15 p.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Tuesday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>Nov.</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>28</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2023</span></p>
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<figcaption>From left, Scott Brown, Andrew Ericson and Casey Christ with the new brine equipment.</figcaption>
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<h3 class="tagline">Student’s brine research ushers in a greener winter on campus</h3>
<p>A UW-La Crosse student’s research on brine has led to a more budget-friendly and earth-friendly snow removal solution for campus this winter.</p><p>Casey Christ, ’23, learned of the impact of salt contamination on aquatic life during a fall 2022 class project. In this Communication and Civic Engagement class, she also learned about using brine as an alternative to rock salt, one of UWL’s primary method for removing snow and ice in winter months. Switching to brine reduces the amount of salt that is needed on sidewalks, parking lots and roads, saving money and reducing water contamination from salt runoff. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“All my life I’ve grown up thinking salt was a normal and necessary part of midwestern winters. But the more I learned about the long list of issues its use creates, the more I knew something needed to change in La Crosse, and that I had to take this a step further than a class research project,” says Christ.</p><p>Although salt is a natural part of the environment, too much salt comes with an environmental cost. Salt applied to roads and sidewalks hangs around after the snow melts, leaching into lakes, rivers and groundwater. Over the years, these freshwater systems have become saltier, and that’s a problem for wildlife. It takes only one teaspoon of salt to pollute five gallons of water to a level this is toxic to native aquatic organisms.</p><p>“The Mississippi River and the marsh are home to hundreds of unique species that are harmed every winter we continue to overuse road salt, not to mention the havoc it wreaks on infrastructure and human health,” says Christ. “La Crosse County and the UWL campus use a lot of it. Through my extensive research I discovered the steps that other universities in Wisconsin had implemented to mitigate salt use, and I knew La Crosse needed to follow suit.”</p><p>Christ's research is just one example of research that emerges from the Communication Studies course, <a data-mce-href="https://catalog.uwlax.edu/undergraduate/coursedescriptions/cst/" href="https://catalog.uwlax.edu/undergraduate/coursedescriptions/cst/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">CST 211</a>, where students complete a civic engagement project. They are tasked with identifying a community problem, conducting extensive community research on the problem and developing a plan to address it. At the culmination of the semester, students present their plan to community stakeholders.</p>
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<h3>Campus embraces brine</h3>
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<figcaption>From left, Andrew Ericson, Casey Christ and Scott Brown. UWL Facilities Management purchased two Hilltip Spray Strikers, which have GPS tracking that controls the rate that brine comes out. </figcaption>
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<p>Christ shared her findings about rock salt contamination with stakeholders on campus including UWL’s Sustainability Manager Andrew Ericson and Director of Facilities Management Scott Brown. The group looked into brine as a less-salty alternative. And, in the spring of 2023, UWL Facilities Management invested in new brine equipment.</p><p>“We have very driven students on this campus who are looking for ways to make a difference for their community and for the environment,” says Ericson. “It was so impressive to see how Casey championed this initiative that she cared about.”</p><p>Facilities management purchased two Hilltip Spray Strikers, which have GPS tracking that controls the rate that brine comes out, along with a 1,200-gallon storage tank where brine will be stored in bulk. Brine will be purchased from La Crosse County, an early adopter of brine.</p><p>“Facilities Management is always trying to improve the sustainability of our operations. Brine was a win both financially and environmentally,” says Brown. “We are looking forward to the challenges and opportunities of this new method of winter maintenance.” &nbsp;</p><p>Ericson says the initiative to bring brine to campus is an example of how sustainability, an important and long-term initiative at UWL, intersects with UWL’s strategic plan to provide transformational education and community engagement. &nbsp;</p><p>“We are always looking to improve sustainability efforts across the campus as UWL aims to be a leader in sustainability in our region,” says Ericson. “When it comes to sustainability, we can think of campus as a living lab to apply what’s taught in our classrooms. But sometimes we need a champion for those efforts, and we are very grateful that Casey stepped up.”</p>
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<h3>What is brine?</h3>
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<figcaption>UWL Facilities Management purchased a 1,200-gallon storage tank where brine will be stored in bulk.</figcaption>
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<p>Brine is salty water that is used for snow removal. If you have ever seen faint white stripes on driving lanes, then you’ve seen brine in action. A 23.3% NaCl solution, brine works in the same way that rock salt does, but it has many added benefits.</p><h3>Why brine?</h3><ul><li>Reduces the amount of salt applied, which saves money and prevents water contamination. </li><li>Sticks to where it is placed and is not subject to being moved around like rock salt </li><li>Prevents snow/ice from adhering to the pavement surface if applied before a winter storm. This makes removal easier. </li><li>Works quicker than rock salt. Rock salt needs to become brine on the pavement surface, and then it will start working. Using brine from the start accelerates the process. &nbsp;</li></ul>
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<img loading="lazy" src="/contentassets/d2492d337f8a4841b98d59100cb0f8ab/brine-photo-2.jpg/Medium" alt="From left, Scott Brown, Andrew Ericson and Casey Christ with the new brine equipment." />
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<span class="title">Sustainable snow solution</span>
<span class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">4:15 p.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Tuesday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>Nov.</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>28</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2023</span></span>
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Student’s brine research ushers in a greener winter on campus
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</span>https://www.uwlax.edu/news/posts/celebrate-car-free-week/Celebrate Car-Free Week2023-09-07T09:26:05.363Z2023-09-06T16:16:00ZKjerstin Langhttps://uwlax.edu/profile/klang/klang@uwlax.edu
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<p class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">4:16 p.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Wednesday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>Sept.</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>6</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2023</span></p>
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<figcaption>Car Free Week: the sustainable way to get around</figcaption>
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<h3 class="tagline">Join the UWL community in living car-free to the extent that you can Sept. 18-22 </h3>
<p>Plan some trips without four wheels and join an international movement to go car free. <a data-mce-href="https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/world-car-free-day-22-september-great-opportunity-reduce-air-pollution" href="https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/world-car-free-day-22-september-great-opportunity-reduce-air-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Car Free Day</a> is celebrated Sept. 22. UWL faculty, staff and students are invited to go car free for the week of Sept. 18-22. &nbsp;</p><p>Going car free doesn’t have to mean giving up your car completely. Many experience barriers beyond their control when planning a car-free commute. Instead, consider your options every time you need to travel. Sometimes a walk, bike ride or bus trip would be just as efficient while also improving your health and the environment. Occasionally they are even faster!&nbsp;</p><p>“Since the creation of the personal automobile, the built environment has taken a beeline for car-centric design,” says Andrew Ericson, UWL <a data-mce-href="/sustainability/" href="/sustainability/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sustainability program</a> manager. “In the U.S., in particular, we have long invested and built an infrastructure system that pushes citizens to use personal vehicles. But internationally this model is not typical. It’s something we should stop to think about, and make sure we are choosing a method of transportation that makes the most sense for ourselves and the environment.”&nbsp;</p><p>While this is a week-long celebration, Ericson hopes that the UWL campus community continues to think about car free transportation beyond the end of the week. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“The personal automobile is not going anywhere, anytime soon,” he says. “It has clear benefits. But should a personal automobile be a necessity for our daily lives?”&nbsp;</p>
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<h3>Car transportation and walking stats</h3>
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<figcaption>Find spots on the UW-La Crosse campus to lock up your bike.</figcaption>
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<ul><li>In 2021, <a href="https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/fast-facts-transportation-greenhouse-gas-emissions#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Inventory%20of,U.S.%20GHG%20emissions%20in%202021" target="_blank" data-mce-href="https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/fast-facts-transportation-greenhouse-gas-emissions#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Inventory%20of,U.S.%20GHG%20emissions%20in%202021" rel="noopener">29% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions</a> came from the transportation sector, with most of that coming from the use of personal automobiles, according to the Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks 1990–2021.</li><li>More than half of all trips in the U.S. are less than three miles in length and nearly 30% were less than a mile (<a href="https://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/articles/fotw-1230-march-21-2022-more-half-all-daily-trips-were-less-three-miles-2021" target="_blank" data-mce-href="https://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/articles/fotw-1230-march-21-2022-more-half-all-daily-trips-were-less-three-miles-2021" rel="noopener">U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 2021</a>)&nbsp;</li><li>Walking enhances mood, reduces stress, improves self-esteem, and combats cognitive decline (American Behavioral Clinics, 2022)</li><li>Regular brisk walking improves cardiovascular health, strengthens bones and muscles, improves muscle endurance, increases energy levels, improves balance and coordination, and strengthens immune system (Mayo Clinic, 2021)</li><li>Regular brisk walking improves mood, cognition, memory, and sleep (Mayo Clinic, 2021)&nbsp;</li></ul>
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<h3>Join the Car-Free movement in a variety of ways </h3>
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<figcaption>Students rollerblading on campus.</figcaption>
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<ul><li>If you live far away from campus, consider connecting with colleagues who live nearby to carpool.&nbsp;</li><li>Can’t change the car commute to work? Consider changing a couple of short trips you make regularly – between stores in town, to a neighbor’s house or other trips that could just as well be made using a more sustainable transportation option.&nbsp;</li><li>Have you always thought about biking to campus but have never done it? This is your push.&nbsp;</li><li>Going to lunch downtown? Skip the car and hop on bus #4 that picks up on campus or take a Drift Cycle. &nbsp;</li><li>Are you already a savvy commuter? Push yourself to go without a car for all your trips for the week.&nbsp;</li><li>Not able to celebrate Car Free Week? Think about the barriers. Do you feel unsafe crossing a particular intersection? Does your route to work lack dedicated bike lanes to get you where you need to go? Do you have no reasonable alternative? These are all things that you could share with your local elected officials and they would also be a terrific way to celebrate Car Free Week.&nbsp;</li></ul>
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<h3>What is Car-Free Day? </h3>
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<figcaption>Students walk on the UW-La Crosse campus.</figcaption>
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<p>Car-Free day (or week in in the case of UWL), is an opportunity to think about how we get from place to place and try out alternatives. It is a day to live car free to the extent that you can.&nbsp;</p><p>An international event, cities, and even entire countries have celebrated, promoted and even mandated the use of alternative transportation methods. The day’s origins lie within various oil crises that occurred during the second half of the 20th century. Implementing car free days was a way to cut oil demand. The Car-Free movement picked up speed in the 90s, with various cities in Europe and North America trying out versions of a Car Free Day. In 2,000, Bogota, Colombia began Car-Free Days. In October of that year, they took a referendum vote on Car-Free Day, and now they celebrate yearly by banning vehicle use for one day a year, with few exceptions.&nbsp;</p>
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<span class="title">Celebrate Car-Free Week</span>
<span class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">4:16 p.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Wednesday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>Sept.</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>6</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2023</span></span>
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Join the UWL community in living car-free to the extent that you can Sept. 18-22 
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</span>https://www.uwlax.edu/news/posts/films-for-our-future/Films for our future2023-08-21T11:01:36.827Z2023-08-21T09:00:00ZKjerstin Langhttps://uwlax.edu/profile/klang/klang@uwlax.edu
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<p class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">9 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Monday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>Aug.</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>21</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2023</span></p>
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<figcaption>During the International Youth Media Summit young people from around the world came to the UW-La Crosse campus. They produced seven short films over a two-week period, July 24-Aug. 6. </figcaption>
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<h3 class="tagline">UWL staff mentor youth on global issues at International Youth Media Summit</h3>
<p>Youth leaders from more than 20 countries worldwide came to UW-La Crosse this summer to use their creativity to inspire their generation to take action on important issues that impact their future. &nbsp;</p><p>During the International Youth Media Summit, these young people produced seven short films over a two-week period, July 24-Aug. 6. <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/@iyms_org/videos" href="https://www.youtube.com/@iyms_org/videos" target="_blank" rel="noopener">All videos are now available on YouTube</a>. <a data-mce-href="/gel/" href="/gel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UWL Graduate &amp; Extended Learning</a> coordinated the event on campus.&nbsp;</p><p>“Young people have the power to really change the world. So, when asked to participate I was not hesitant to say, ‘Yes!,’” says Willem Vanroosenbeek, UWL <a data-mce-href="/pride-center/" href="/pride-center/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Pride Center</a> director. &nbsp;</p>
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<h3>Films address discrimination, the environment and violence prevention</h3>
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<figcaption>Willem Vanroosenbeek, UWL Pride Center director, pictured second from left, with other participants in the International Youth Media Summit, July 24-Aug. 6, at UWL. Vanroosenbeek was a presenter at the event and served as issue mentor for a film the youth created on discrimination. </figcaption>
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<p>Vanroosenbeek, Andrew Ericson and Blythe McConaughey, all UWL staff members, served as issue mentors for the films on topics of <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWdc8Q88qbg&amp;feature=youtu.be" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWdc8Q88qbg&amp;feature=youtu.be" target="_blank" rel="noopener">discrimination</a>, <a data-mce-href="https://youtu.be/IyE2OKlwf_4" href="https://youtu.be/IyE2OKlwf_4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the environment</a> and <a data-mce-href="https://youtu.be/CC1QzVFmYHA" href="https://youtu.be/CC1QzVFmYHA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">violence prevention</a>, respectively. In addition to mentoring, the three also presented on how they came to work in sustainability, violence prevention, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. In small groups, they had the opportunity to hear why each of the youth picked the topic. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“It was such a pleasure to share my personal story with these students and have an opportunity to hear from them about how the issue of violence affects them in their own communities,” says McConaughey. “We were able to connect on the ways that systemic violence impacts all of our lives and see that we struggle with many of the same concerns and fears.”&nbsp;</p><p>Vanroosenbeek says working with youth on the topic of discrimination was both difficult and gratifying.&nbsp;</p><p>“It was hard to hear each person share how they have been discriminated against,” he says. “I am so proud of my group and the impactful PSA they created. It was an incredible process to witness and be a part of.” &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The final products of each summit were shown during a summit finale at the Rivoli Theatre in La Crosse.</p><p>“WOW! This was truly an incredible experience. It was fascinating to see all the ways that we shared similar beliefs and concerns about environmental topics like climate change despite having drastically different lived experiences,” says Ericson. “I am so glad to have had the opportunity to help.”&nbsp;</p><h4>Watch the films</h4><p><strong><a data-mce-href="https://youtu.be/IyE2OKlwf_4" href="https://youtu.be/IyE2OKlwf_4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Environment PSA: IYMS 2023 – Green Canvas&nbsp;</a></strong></p><p><strong><a data-mce-href="https://youtu.be/RWdc8Q88qbg" href="https://youtu.be/RWdc8Q88qbg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Discrimination PSA: IYMS - 2023 — Bystander</a></strong></p><p><strong><a data-mce-href="https://youtu.be/CC1QzVFmYHA" href="https://youtu.be/CC1QzVFmYHA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Violence PSA: IYMS 2023 – One for the Little Boy</a></strong></p>
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<h3>About the IYMS </h3>
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<figcaption>Over the last seventeen years, more than 1,000 young delegates and their adult advisors representing 70 countries have participated in the International Youth Media Summit (IYMS).  </figcaption>
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<p>The International Youth Media Summit was founded in 2006 by Evelyn Seubert and James Gleason, Cleveland Charter High School, Los Angeles, California; and Aileen Marshall, Screen School, Glasgow, Scotland, and organized by the Teen International Media Exchange (TIME). &nbsp;</p><p>Each year, delegates from all around the world come together in one location to explore the most urgent global issues for two weeks. They create social action plans that are tightly connected to these 7 global issues: Discrimination, Environment, Health, Poverty, Violence, Women’s Rights and Youth Empowerment.&nbsp;</p><p>The final products of each summit include: seven short films, seven action plans, and written and recorded declarations, individual stories related to the issues explored at the summit. &nbsp;</p><p><a data-mce-href="https://iyms.org/" href="https://iyms.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more about IYMS.</a></p><p><strong>La Crosse Community Foundation grant supported IYMS community engagement&nbsp;</strong></p><p>This year the IYMS received a $10,000 grant from the La Crosse Community Foundation that included scholarships for seven UWL students passionate about filmmaking, diplomacy and global change to participate in the two-week event. The students served as guides for international groups both on campus and in La Crosse while also participating in summit activities. The grant also supported other community activities, including the talent show at the Pump House Community Center. &nbsp;</p>
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<img loading="lazy" src="/contentassets/d2492d337f8a4841b98d59100cb0f8ab/youthmediasummit1.jpg/Medium" alt="During the International Youth Media Summit young people from around the world came to the UW-La Crosse campus. They produced seven short films over a two-week period, July 24-Aug. 6. " />
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<span class="title">Films for our future</span>
<span class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">9 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Monday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>Aug.</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>21</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2023</span></span>
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UWL staff mentor youth on global issues at International Youth Media Summit
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</span>https://www.uwlax.edu/news/posts/10-ways-to-celebrate-earth-day/10 ways to celebrate Earth Day2023-04-07T15:09:19.043Z2023-04-07T15:00:00ZYoo Mee Howardhttps://uwlax.edu/profile/yhoward/yhoward@uwlax.edu
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<p class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">3 p.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Friday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>April</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>7</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2023</span></p>
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<figcaption>A student paints on a UWL Student Union window for Earth Day celebrations in 2022.</figcaption>
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<h3>Campus and area events celebrate the Earth this month from marsh clean-up to ‘Earthapalooza’ </h3>
<p><em>By Andrew Ericson, UWL sustainability program manager<br><br><br></em>Earth Month. Earth Week. Earth Day.</p><p>Maybe for you, every day is Earth Day.</p><p>Whatever way you mark the occasion, it’s clear that communities build up a lot of energy around helping the environment on and near April 22, Earth Day. Both UWL and the wider La Crosse community offer a ton of opportunities to get involved in learning about and caring for the planet. From volunteering to lectures to “Earthapalooza,” a UWL student led bash, you’ll find something for everyone this Earth-celebrating season.</p><p>Want to know more about how UWL celebrates Earth Day every day? Check out <a href="/sustainability/get-involved/student-organizations/" data-mce-href="/sustainability/get-involved/student-organizations/" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Students for Sustainability</a> and <a href="/sustainability/get-involved/green-fund/overview/" data-mce-href="/sustainability/get-involved/green-fund/overview/">The Green Fund</a>. Learn more on the <a href="/sustainability/" data-mce-href="/sustainability/">Sustainability website</a>.<br><br></p><ul><li><em>&nbsp;</em><a href="/events/?e=27687" data-mce-href="/events/?e=27687"><strong>Prairie Springs Lecture Series – Jon Foley</strong></a><br>7-9 p.m. Tuesday, April 11</li><ul><li>Jonathan Foley has made a career as a climate scientist, sustainability expert, educator, and public speaker. Since 2018 he has served as the Executive Director of Project Drawdown, “The World’s Leading Resource for Climate Solutions.” His lecture will cover topics including climate change, sustainability, climate solutions, ecosystems, natural resources and much more. Hopefully, when you leave the lecture, you will feel cautiously optimistic about the world’s ability to respond to climate change.</li></ul></ul><ul><li><a href="/calendar/?e=27778" data-mce-href="/calendar/?e=27778"><strong>Defending the environment and community lands in West Africa and Costa Rica </strong></a><br>5:30-7 p.m. Friday, April 14</li><ul><li>Gray Tappan, a geographer at the U.S. Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, and his son Taylor Tappan, who recently earned a doctoral degree in geography from the University of Kansas, will discuss their distinct approaches to helping indigenous and other rural tropical communities defend their lands and restore their threatened environments.</li></ul></ul><ul><li><a href="/calendar/?e=28094" data-mce-href="/calendar/?e=28094"><strong>Environmental Health Bingo</strong></a><br>6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, April 17</li><ul><li>Come test your knowledge and maybe take home a prize with Campus Activities Board (CAB) and Wellness &amp; Health Advocacy! This event will feature trivia-style and traditional bingo.</li></ul></ul><ul><li><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BJJCI4gNfo_joE1myZs3FpKoD75oaj0U9SFVXjpA8sY/edit" data-mce-href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BJJCI4gNfo_joE1myZs3FpKoD75oaj0U9SFVXjpA8sY/edit"><strong>Photographic History of the La Crosse River Marsh – Richard Frost</strong></a><br>7-8:30 p.m. Monday, April 17</li><ul><li>The La Crosse River Marsh has been called “The Finest Urban Wetland in Wisconsin.” It occupies a unique location in the middle of the city, separating north and south La Crosse. Because of its location, it has been a prime target for development. This presentation will show the history of the marsh, the many proposals for its development, and a view to its future.</li></ul></ul><ul><li><a href="/calendar/?e=27907" data-mce-href="/calendar/?e=27907"><strong>The Campus Thread Fashion Show</strong></a><br>7-9 p.m. Wednesday, April 19</li><ul><li>The Campus Thread, a community closet for all UWL students, driven by community, equity, and sustainability, is hosting a fashion show. Enjoy some creative style and an opportunity to thrift some clothes.</li></ul></ul><ul><li><a href="/calendar/?e=28055" data-mce-href="/calendar/?e=28055"><strong>Urban nature, wealth and implications for green infrastructure</strong></a><br>2:15-3:10 p.m. Thursday, April 20</li><ul><li>The talk is a great chance to learn how environmental science intersects with public policy, social justice, recreation, public health, and land-use planning. Students and faculty from all majors and disciplines are encouraged to attend, as are members of the La Crosse community.</li></ul></ul><ul><li><a href="/calendar/?e=28085" data-mce-href="/calendar/?e=28085"><strong>Earthapalooza</strong></a><br>3-7 p.m. Friday, April 21</li><ul><li>An on-campus celebration of Earth Day! Learn more about sustainability groups on campus and the La Crosse community. Expect music, activities, prizes and a tasty vegan meal!</li></ul></ul><ul><li><a href="/calendar/?e=28026" data-mce-href="/calendar/?e=28026"><strong>Neighbors Day 2023</strong></a><br>8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 22</li><ul><li>Neighbors Day is a family-friendly event for the community to come together to help beautify the City of La Crosse by providing the elderly and disabled citizens of the City of La Crosse with help cleaning up their yards for spring. Services provided by volunteers include raking yards, trimming shrubs, washing windows, and turning gardens. Fix your volunteer itch. Free breakfast and lunch provided! <a href="https://uwlax.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=788970" data-mce-href="https://uwlax.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=788970">Sign up by April 14</a>.</li></ul></ul><ul><li><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BJJCI4gNfo_joE1myZs3FpKoD75oaj0U9SFVXjpA8sY/edit" data-mce-href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BJJCI4gNfo_joE1myZs3FpKoD75oaj0U9SFVXjpA8sY/edit"><strong>Marsh Clean Up</strong></a><br>9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 29<sup> </sup></li><ul><li>Join the UWL Environmental Studies and Geography Departments in cleaning up the Marsh along Lang Dr. Meet at Leuth Park (701 12<sup>th</sup> St N). Bring your friends. Gloves and bags will be provided.</li></ul></ul><ul><li><strong><a href="https://www.sustaininstitute.com/earthfairlacrosse" data-mce-href="https://www.sustaininstitute.com/earthfairlacrosse">La Crosse Earth Fair</a></strong><br>11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, April 30</li><ul><li>Join the La Crosse community at Myrick Park to celebrate Earth Day. An event you surely don’t want to miss.</li></ul></ul>
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<img loading="lazy" src="/contentassets/d2492d337f8a4841b98d59100cb0f8ab/earth-day-painting2.jpg/Medium" alt="A student paints on a UWL Student Union window for Earth Day celebrations in 2022." />
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<span class="title">10 ways to celebrate Earth Day</span>
<span class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">3 p.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Friday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>April</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>7</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2023</span></span>
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Campus and area events celebrate the Earth this month from marsh clean-up to ‘Earthapalooza’
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</span>https://www.uwlax.edu/news/posts/sustainability-superstar-march/‘Sustainability Superstar’2023-03-23T09:39:29.37Z2023-03-23T09:39:29.37ZYoo Mee Howardhttps://uwlax.edu/profile/yhoward/yhoward@uwlax.edu
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<p class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">9:39 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Thursday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>March</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>23</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2023</span></p>
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<figcaption>Jonathan Foley, executive director of Project Drawdown, will speak at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, in Hesprich Auditorium, UWL Graff Main Hall. Admission is free. </figcaption>
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<h3>Climate expert to speak at UWL Prairie Springs Lecture Series</h3>
<p>A world-renowned climate scientist, sustainability expert and educator will speak at UW-La Crosse.</p><p>Jonathan Foley, executive director of Project Drawdown, will speak as part of the UWL Prairie Springs Lecture Series at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, in Hesprich Auditorium, Graff Main Hall, 1725 State St. Admission is free. The presentation was rescheduled from Feb. 22 because of inclement weather.</p><p>Foley received his doctorate from the UW-Madison Department of Atmospheric &amp; Oceanic Sciences. From 1993-2008 he worked at UW–Madison where he launched the Climate, People and Environment Program, founded the Center for Sustainability and Global Environment, and served as the first Gaylord Nelson Distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies.</p><p>From 2008-14 Foley served as the founding director of the Institute on the Environment at the University of Minnesota, while also serving as the McKnight Presidential Chair of Global Environment and Sustainability. Then between 2014-18, he worked as executive director of the California Academy of Sciences. Since 2018 he has served as the executive director of Project Drawdown, “The World’s Leading Resource for Climate Solutions.”</p><p><a data-mce-href="/profile/aericson/" href="/profile/aericson/" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">UWL Sustainability Program Manager Andrew Ericson</a>, describes Foley as a "Sustainability Superstar." Ericson says his lecture, titled “Achieving Drawdown — A Hopeful, Science-based Plan to Address Climate Change,” will cover topics including climate change, sustainability, climate solutions, ecosystems, natural resources and more.</p><p>“Hopefully, when you leave the lecture, you will feel cautiously optimistic about the world’s ability to respond to climate change,” says Ericson.</p><p>Foley’s presentation is part of the fourth annual Prairie Springs Lecture Series, funded by The Paul Fleckenstein Trust, which brings speakers to campus to discuss environmental issues. This year's lecture is also sponsored by the UWL College of Science and Health, UWL Green Fund, UWL Department of Geography &amp; Earth Science, and Western Technical College Sustainability.</p><p>The lecture will be live streamed. Register at: https://www.uwlax.edu/events/?e=27687</p>
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<img loading="lazy" src="/contentassets/d2492d337f8a4841b98d59100cb0f8ab/jfoley-headshot22.jpg/Medium" alt="Jonathan Foley, executive director of Project Drawdown, will speak at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, in Hesprich Auditorium, UWL Graff Main Hall. Admission is free. " />
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<span class="title">‘Sustainability Superstar’</span>
<span class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">9:39 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Thursday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>March</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>23</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2023</span></span>
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Climate expert to speak at UWL Prairie Springs Lecture Series
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</span>https://www.uwlax.edu/news/posts/sustainability-superstar/‘Sustainability Superstar’2023-02-09T15:04:11.473Z2023-02-10T08:00:00ZYoo Mee Howardhttps://uwlax.edu/profile/yhoward/yhoward@uwlax.edu
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<p class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">8 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Friday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>Feb.</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>10</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2023</span></p>
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<figcaption>Jonathan Foley, executive director of Project Drawdown, will speak at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, in Hesprich Auditorium, UWL Graff Main Hall. Admission is free. The lecture will be streamed. Register at: https://www.uwlax.edu/events/?e=27687</figcaption>
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<h3>Climate expert to speak at UWL Prairie Springs Lecture Series</h3>
<p>A world-renowned climate scientist, sustainability expert and educator will speak at UW-La Crosse.</p><p>Jonathan Foley, executive director of Project Drawdown, will speak as part of the UWL Prairie Springs Lecture Series at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, in Hesprich Auditorium, Graff Main Hall, 1725 State St. Admission is free.</p><p>Foley received his doctorate from the UW-Madison Department of Atmospheric &amp; Oceanic Sciences. From 1993-2008 he worked at UW–Madison where he launched the Climate, People and Environment Program, founded the Center for Sustainability and Global Environment, and served as the first Gaylord Nelson Distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies.</p><p>From 2008-14 Foley served as the founding director of the Institute on the Environment at the University of Minnesota, while also serving as the McKnight Presidential Chair of Global Environment and Sustainability. Then between 2014-18, he worked as executive director of the California Academy of Sciences. Since 2018 he has served as the executive director of Project Drawdown, “The World’s Leading Resource for Climate Solutions.”</p><p><a data-mce-href="/profile/aericson/" href="/profile/aericson/">UWL Sustainability Program Manager Andrew Ericson</a>, describes Foley as a "Sustainability Superstar." Ericson says his lecture, titled “Achieving Drawdown — A Hopeful, Science-based Plan to Address Climate Change,” will cover topics including climate change, sustainability, climate solutions, ecosystems, natural resources and more.</p><p>“Hopefully, when you leave the lecture, you will feel cautiously optimistic about the world’s ability to respond to climate change,” says Ericson.</p><p>Foley’s presentation is part of the fourth annual Prairie Springs Lecture Series, funded by The Paul Fleckenstein Trust, which brings speakers to campus to discuss environmental issues. This year's lecture is also sponsored by the <a data-mce-href="/csh/" href="/csh/">UWL College of Science and Health</a>, UWL Green Fund, <a data-mce-href="/geography-and-earth-science/" href="/geography-and-earth-science/">UWL Department of Geography &amp; Earth Science</a>, and Western Technical College Sustainability.</p>
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<img loading="lazy" src="/contentassets/d2492d337f8a4841b98d59100cb0f8ab/jfoley-headshot2-1.jpg/Medium" alt="Jonathan Foley, executive director of Project Drawdown, will speak at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, in Hesprich Auditorium, UWL Graff Main Hall. Admission is free. The lecture will be streamed. Register at: https://www.uwlax.edu/events/?e=27687" />
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<span class="title">‘Sustainability Superstar’</span>
<span class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">8 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Friday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>Feb.</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>10</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2023</span></span>
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Climate expert to speak at UWL Prairie Springs Lecture Series
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</span>https://www.uwlax.edu/news/posts/tips-for-a-more-sustainable-holiday/Tips for a more sustainable holiday2022-12-15T08:27:43.25Z2022-12-16T08:00:00ZKjerstin Langhttps://uwlax.edu/profile/klang/klang@uwlax.edu
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<span class="title">Tips for a more sustainable holiday</span>
<span class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">8 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Friday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>Dec.</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>16</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2022</span></span>
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UWL's sustainability coordinator shares how to travel, eat and give gifts with the Earth in mind
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</span>https://www.uwlax.edu/news/posts/a-sustainable-start/A sustainable start2022-12-14T10:55:06.91Z2022-12-14T09:42:00ZYoo Mee Howardhttps://uwlax.edu/profile/yhoward/yhoward@uwlax.edu
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<p class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">9:42 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Wednesday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>Dec.</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>14</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2022</span></p>
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<figcaption>Sustainable building designs are among the energy efficiency upgrades at UWL. Three campus buildings designed in just over the past decade met LEED Gold standards. </figcaption>
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<h3 class="tagline">Campus efforts paying off</h3>
<p>UW-La Crosse continues to improve its carbon footprint.</p><p>Since 2005, UWL has reduced heating and electricity emissions by about 30% — despite growing in building space by about 40%. The additions included Centennial Hall, Eagle Hall, the Student Union and Prairie Springs Science Center.&nbsp; Centennial, Eagle and the Union are Gold LEED buildings, an indicator of environmental responsibility and efficiency.</p><p>Those numbers are important to the university’s new sustainability coordinator, Andrew Ericson who began the new position on campus in July.</p><p>&nbsp;“It was reassuring that we are in fact responding,” says Ericson. “At the same time, I started questioning how we got there and more importantly how do we keep this trend going.”</p><p>Ericson says three factors drove the improvement: switching from coal to methane in the Heating Plant, greening of the grid, and energy efficiency upgrades.</p><p>UWL’s Heating Plant used to burn coal and switched to methane, with a diesel fuel backup. While methane is a fossil fuel, it has a higher energy density, so less is needed to produce the same amount of heat, emitting less carbon.</p><p>“Greening of the grid” refers to electricity becoming cleaner or reducing the carbon emissions generated via electricity production. Xcel Energy, UWL’s electricity provider, when compared to other utility companies in the state is far cleaner by transitioning from coal to methane as a fuel source, efficiency upgrades and the addition of wind and solar power.</p>
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<figcaption>UWL’s new Sustainability Coordinator, Andrew Ericson says the campus has reduced heating and electricity emissions by about 30% — despite growing in building space by about 40% since 2005. “It was reassuring that we are in fact responding,” says Ericson. “At the same time, I started questioning how we got there and more importantly how do we keep this trend going.”</figcaption>
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<p>Energy efficiency upgrades have come in a range of areas. Among the recent improvements: changing to LED lights, updating building automation systems, using sustainable building designs and changing to low-flow plumbing fixtures, along with upgrading to high-efficiency boilers and modernizing building façades.</p><p>Ericson says the university will continue to strive for improvement across all emission sources. While changes such as the Heating Plant are more complex, more “low-hanging fruit” can be pursued, such as additional LED change outs, upgraded water heaters and steam traps. &nbsp;</p><p>“Those are the easiest things to do, and we should work to maximize the efforts that we have control of,” he notes. The UW System will be better able to assist campuses when it hires a sustainability coordinator early in 2023.</p><p>Ericson invites students, faculty and staff to play a part in sustainable efforts. He encourages everything from reusable cups and waste recycling to public transportation.</p><p>“I tell everyone who will listen to me to ride the bus,” he says.</p><p>Students will become even more involved in sustainability, says Ericson. He especially hopes to empower current and future student leaders.</p>
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<figcaption>Since 2005, UWL has reduced heating and electricity emissions by about 30% — despite growing in building space by about 40%.</figcaption>
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<p>“Getting students involved is at the top of the list,” he explains. “I’m already in conversations with the students I am working with to see how we can expand the opportunities. My goal is to make the entire campus feel like they are a part of the team in this battle against climate change.”</p><p>Ericson says continued support from the university’s Green Fund, which has invested more than $1.5 million into campus efforts since its inception, will be key. Students overwhelmingly voted to create the fund in 2008, and they contribute just over $10 per academic year through segregated fees.</p><p>“A lot of credit goes to students and their commitment to funding the Green Fund,” notes Ericson. “Students are more and more invested in sustainability every year, so I’d imagine they will only get better at leveraging it to its max potential.”</p><p>Ericson says he will<strong> </strong>take any opportunity to talk about sustainability.</p><p>“Invite me to classes, meetings, governance groups and other meetings,” he says. “Staying positive is vital to making progress in this area. Some doom and gloom can be helpful, but I think we will do our best if we keep an open mind and try to stay positive about the future.”</p><p>Ericson can be reached in 2255D Student Union or <a href="mailto:aericson@uwlax.edu" data-mce-href="mailto:aericson@uwlax.edu">aericson@uwlax.edu</a>.</p>
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<span class="title">A sustainable start</span>
<span class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">9:42 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Wednesday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>Dec.</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>14</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2022</span></span>
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Campus efforts paying off
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