March Newsletter - Spring into Sustainability!


March is a month of change and renewal, marking the arrival of spring. It’s the perfect time to think and act ‘green.’ In this edition of our March newsletter, we highlight the latest sustainability efforts happening on campus. As we celebrate International Women's Day, St. Patrick's Day, and Spring Break, let’s renew our commitment to making a positive impact on our environment.

Sustainability Ambassador Team


Meet the Champions of Climate Action at Rutgers!
Learn More About Sustainability Ambassador Program

Our Sustainability Ambassadors are at the heart of climate education and outreach, playing a crucial role in fostering a culture of sustainability across campus and within the community. This dedicated team of climate communicators helps bridge the gap between sustainability efforts and the people who are key to making change happen.

These ambassadors have a unique opportunity to gain a behind-the-scenes look at Rutgers’ ongoing climate action initiatives, contributing their voices and energy to build a more sustainable future.

Stay tuned for some exciting projects and events coming soon—our Sustainability Ambassadors are working hard to roll out new initiatives that will inspire and engage the entire Rutgers community. From interactive educational programs to hands-on sustainability practices, there’s a lot to look forward to!

We can’t wait to share more about their journey and the positive impact they’re making.

Spotlight


Celebrating Women's Power in the Environmental Movement 🌍

The Office of Climate Action proudly honors Women's History Month by highlighting the incredible women whose contributions have shaped the global environmental movement. Join us as we spotlight their inspiring stories and continue the fight for a sustainable future!

Eunice Foote

(born July 17th, 1819)

was an American scientist, inventor, as well as a women’s rights activist. She was responsible for discovering that when sunlight shines on carbon dioxide in a closed atmosphere, heat builds up. We now know this as the greenhouse effect! For more than 150 years, the credit for discovering the warming effect of the sun’s rays was attributed to John Tyndall. Nevertheless, thanks to Raymond Sorenson in 2011, we can properly celebrate Eunice for her groundbreaking work!

Rachel Carson

(born May 27th, 1907)

was an American marine biologist, writer, and conservationist. She began her career as an aquatic biologist in the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries before becoming a full-time author in the 1950s. She is best known for her book Silent Spring (1962), which warned the American public of the dangers of pesticides to natural systems. When it first came out it was met with furious criticism by chemical companies, but eventually contributed to a nationwide ban on pesticides such as DDT. Carson is often credited with launching the modern environmental movement, so today we honor her as a trailblazer!

Chipko Movement

is a non-violent forest conservation movement that started in India during the 1970s. The goal of the movement was to protect forests from commercial logging and deforestation. The word “chipko” when translated from Hindi means “to stick to” or “to cling to.” The movement was primarily led by women located in rural villages, where they would hug trees in order to prevent them from being cut down by loggers. It would eventually spread throughout the Indian Himalayas, and today is considered one of the most significant environmental protection movements of all time! 

Green Labs


Science laboratories consume 10 times more energy than office buildings. This energy is generally derived from burning fossil fuels. To reduce energy consumption in the lab and decrease greenhouse gas emissions:

 

  • Turn off lights in empty rooms
  • Turn off electronics and laboratory equipment when not in use.
  • Close the sash of biochemical hoods when finishing your work. 




 Rutgers Green Labs Initiative 

Learn How to Make Your Lab More Sustainable!

🌿♻️ March Riddle ♻️🌿

I spoke for the trees before it was cool,

A scientist, a trailblazer, breaking the rule.

My book was a warning, my voice rang true,

Thanks to my work, green laws grew.
Who am I ?
Jane Goodall
Rachel Carson

Spring is Sprouting: March Gardening Guide


Spring is here, and it’s time to sow the seeds for your future garden! To take your fresh food habits one step further, consider starting a small garden—Gardening fosters patience, responsibility, and a deeper appreciation for nature’s cycles.


Here are some exciting gardening events happening on campus


Home Gardeners School 

Eat What You Grow 🌱

Sustainability Tips 🌿


  • Spring Clean Up: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
  • Daylight Saving Time: sun is out, no need to turn on the lights
  • Start Your Spring Garden: Eat Fresh, Local, Seasonal Produce
  • Celebrate International Women’s Day supporting women-led businesses and initiatives that focuses on eco-friendly practices
  • Sláinte! 🍀 Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a "green" meal — plant-based twist that have a lower environmental impact
  • Plan an eco-friendly escape for Spring Break
 
 

Additional Highlights

Opportunities


Events


News
 
Visit our Website

Visit the Office of Climate Action website for updates on climate action and sustainability at Rutgers campus

Editorial support by OCA Sustainability Ambassadors Rigo Salvatierra and Murat Turkeli

Please Note: If you have any news, events, or other updates you would like to share with our community, please email Meenal Vaggyani at meenal.vaggyani@rutgers.edu
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