Monthly Newsletter November 2019

Cultivating an Ethos of Sustainability at Princeton to Accelerate Action at All Scales

This month, we spotlight Princeton’s new water reduction target. Our goal is to reduce absolute campus water usage by 11 percent by 2026 and 26 percent by 2046, even while the campus grows. Our actions will reverse a trend of increased water usage through changes in water-intensive energy infrastructure, and by replacing potable water whenever possible with reclaimed and rain water, among other strategies. In parallel, we aim to encourage mindful consumption across the campus community by building a sense of connection between our everyday choices and water, as well as other natural resources. While relatively abundant in this region, water still requires a significant amount of energy and chemical inputs as it’s transported from the source, to the tap, to a wastewater treatment facility. READ THE PLAN Tour the rainwater reuse system in the Princeton Neuroscience Institute with Paul Larzelere from Princeton Facilities. Demonstrating Repeatable Action In 2012, the University installed a novel new playing surface for field hockey at Bedford Field . Designed with input from Princeton Athletics staff, the specialized artificial turf absorbs and holds water for longer than standard artificial turf, extending ideal playing conditions. The system can produce the required conditions using only 2,000 gallons of water, compared to as much as 12,000 gallons used previously. Sustainability Leadership Profile: Clara Roth '21 EcoReps Greening Athletics Leader and Field Hockey Player Read more

NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

How sustainable campuses can spark broader change Shana S. Weber, PhD Founding director of Princeton University's Office of Sustainability explores higher-education sustainability, scales of action and behavioral science in this Scientific American op-ed. READ MORE

Apply now to be an EcoReps Leader! A pplications are now open for the 2020 EcoReps Leaders. The Princeton University Ecology Representative Program (EcoReps) was founded in 2004 and is hosted by the Office of Sustainability. The mission of the EcoReps is to promote the integration of sustainability into life on campus in alignment with the Sustainability Action Plan. LEARN MORE & APPLY!

Why the messenger matters in climate action Molly Seltzer, Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment In this Q&A, behavioral psychologist Elke Weber speaks about climate messengers and the importance of showcasing personal efforts to reduce carbon footprints in cultivating support for climate policies. Weber is a Gerhard R. Andlinger Professor in Energy and the Environment, professor of psychology and public affairs, and associate director for education at the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment. READ MORE

Summer Hanson ’16 promotes a ‘zero-waste’ lifestyle in Seattle Princeton Alumni Weekly At Reunions in June, Summer Hanson ’16 walked past the paper plates stacked high on buffet tables under white tents. She didn’t stop to pick up a plastic fork or knife, opting for a reusable utensil and bowl instead. In the evenings, she handed bartenders her own stainless steel cup. When she was finished, Hanson tucked each item into pockets on the inside of her class jacket. Some 100,000 cups are estimated to be used during Reunions each year, Hanson says. That weekend, she didn’t use one.  READ MORE

At the frontline: Princeton Environmental Forum addresses environmental crises of the 21st century Denise Valenti and Tom Garlinghouse, Office of Communications In response to the urgent environmental challenges facing the planet, Princeton faculty and alumni who are actively working to protect the environment gathered for the   Princeton Environmental Forum   held on campus Oct. 24-25. They came with knowledge, questions and an eagerness to share ideas from the frontlines of science leadership and environmental advocacy. READ MORE

EVENTS

Mend Wednesdays 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Frist Campus Center GreenSpace (Level 100) EcoReps Clothing Swap Saturday, November 23 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Frist Campus Center, MPR B Shrink Your Footprint: On the Go Wednesday, December 4 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Princeton Public Library, Community Room Save the Date! Princeton Research Day Thursday, May 7, 2020 Location: Frist Campus Center

Sustainability Action Plan Iconography

What do these icons mean? Inspired by the UN's Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs, we created icons to represent the seven action areas in our campus Sustainability Action Plan. Throughout our newsletter, we have identified news and events that are aligned with these action areas.

Office of Sustainability sustain@princeton.edu

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