Sustainability on Display at Historic Commencement

On the Friday evening before commencement, Danforth Campus faculty and staff received a communication that the university would no longer restrict the number of guests allowed each graduate. The recent lifting of local Covid-19 restrictions enabled graduates to invite all of their loved ones to witness this momentous occasion in person; a wonderful gift to celebrate the resilience of the classes of 2020 and 2021.  

Among the guideline changes was the ability to serve food, a time-honored tradition following the ceremony.  With three days to pull it all together, the planning team worked incredibly hard to coordinate 15,000 meals across 11 receptions (in addition to the 8 meals already planned for the 160 daily staff volunteers). “It was great news not just for the graduates and guests but the entire local community, because we had an opportunity to support many local small businesses,” Gina Tramelli, Executive Director of Special Events, reflected on the last-minute changes to commencement. More>>
Plastic Free Challenge
The past 16 months have changed our daily routines. Whether you've fallen off the wagon or are getting on for the first time, the Plastic Free Ecochallenge is an opportunity to get on track with personal sustainability goals. More>> 
Sustainability Team Grows
The Sustainability Team at WashU continues to grow with the addition of its newest member, Heather Craig. Heather joins as the new Sustainability Coordinator at the School of Medicine. Welcome, Heather! More>>
WashU Receives USGBC Award
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) awarded Washington University in St. Louis one of its 2021 Leadership Awards for excellence in its West North Central Region. WashU was recognized for LEED Platinum certification on five buildings.  More>>
Electricity-eating Bacteria
Global oceans absorb about 25% of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere when fossil fuels are burned. Electricity-eating bacteria known as photoferrotrophs could provide a boost to this essential process, according to new research. More>>
 
Free Bike Tune-Up
June 21, 10 am - 2 pm 
This free event includes a safety check and a basic tune-up. We'll have bike bells and lights available. Plan to show up early enough to secure your spot in line! More>>
Strategic Planning: Indigenous Voices
June 24, 9 - 10:30 am
Join us in this important conversation about welcoming indigenous and cultural perspectives in strategic planning. Host: STL Higher Ed Sustainability Consortium. More>>
Celebrating PRIDE
June 21, 11:30 am - 1 pm 
Washington University School of Medicine Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is hosting the virtual event, "Celebrate PRIDE by Deepening Awareness." More>>
Tyson Seminar Series
Thursdays, 4 pm
Every summer, Tyson hosts a weekly seminar series with presentations on environmental topics. Engage with local and national research. Tonight's topic: Environmental Justics. More>>
Food Scraps Drop-off Program
Drop off food scraps every Saturday with earthday365's new pilot program. Drop-off is available at two farmers markets: Tower Grove and Ferguson. More>>
Become a WUGA!
WashU Green Ambassadors are peer educators supported by Office of Sustainability. WUGAs introduce students to campus sustainability programs.  More>>
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The Office of Sustainability newsletter is intended as a clearinghouse of sustainability-related news and events at the university, in the region and around the world. Listings in the newsletter do not necessarily represent Office of Sustainability endorsements or views. To submit an event or news item to include in the newsletter, email sustainability@wustl.edu.

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