If you’ve been on campus since June, you might have noticed a series of new sustainability-related signs. Developed by a collective of students, faculty, and staff, six permanent signs now highlight how our campus is putting sustainability into action. The signs also emphasize how each of us can do our part to protect local rivers, reduce waste and energy use, support healthy ecosystems, and honor Indigenous lands.
These signs feature vibrant illustrations by alumna Alexis Kott, accompanied by easily digestible content written by alumni Valerie Osowski, Natalie Albrecht, Bridget Lawson, Sasha Kindred, Dale Brown, Dalia Rabbah, Mike Solomon, and several dedicated staff and faculty. Visit the sites marked by the stars on the map below to enjoy to fruits of their labor.
In 2019, the University of Michigan-Dearborn became the first public university in Michigan to be recognized with certification from the Xerces Society of Invertebrate Conservation for its education and conservation efforts.
The University of Michigan-Dearborn was awarded first place in the Green Events category of the 2024 competition.
Noteworthy sustainable practices included achieving a 100% waste-diversion rate, coordinating with the caterer, Picasso Restaurant Services, to avoid single-use plastics; donating suitable leftover food; creating waste stations with recycling, composting and landfill bins and signage for where to place items; and promoting zero-waste features of the event in advance — by encouraging attendees to bring reusable water bottles — and during the event to increase awareness.