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On March 25, º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ sustainability interns conducted the fourth waste audit of the year in first- and second-year residence halls to evaluate recycling effectiveness and contamination. The audits aim to improve º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½â€™s low recycling rate (15%) and address rising landfill waste. Results showed that residence halls with Landmark-style recycling bins, like Bryan Complex, had much higher recycling rates (57.8%) than halls without them, such as East Hall (22.2%). Audits involved collecting and sorting trash and recyclables, noting contamination from items like coffee cups, straws, chip bags, and liquids, which can cause recyclables to be sent to the landfill. Recyclables were also found in landfill bags, including coffee sleeves, cardboard, aluminum cans, and plastic bottles. The audits highlighted the importance of education and better bin infrastructure. The interns are compiling a full report with recommendations, suggesting that adding more Landmark-style bins could significantly improve campus recycling rates. The project also serves as a resource for students to learn how to recycle effectively.

Earth Day began on April 22, 1970, following public protests against pollution and environmental harm, leading to the creation of the EPA and major environmental laws. Today, over 1 billion people in 192 countries participate annually through activism, cleanups, tree planting, and sustainability initiatives.

º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ University is committed to carbon neutrality by 2019 by both reducing campus emissions and investing in high-quality carbon offsets for emissions that cannot be eliminated, such as air travel, commuting, and certain energy uses. Offsets not only help achieve carbon neutrality but also provide educational opportunities, innovation, and financial incentives to further reduce emissions.

º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ University is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2019, meaning the campus will have zero net greenhouse gas emissions. This involves reducing emissions wherever possible and offsetting the rest through projects like reforestation, renewable energy, and methane capture.

During a semester abroad in Manchester, England, the author initially praised the city’s sustainability features, like accessible recycling, extensive bike paths, and vegetarian/vegan food options. However, deeper research revealed that the U.K. faces serious air pollution issues, with rising levels of nitrous oxides and particulate matter that harm human health.

º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½â€™s Sustainability Office is hiring three summer 2018 interns to support a variety of projects advancing sustainability and helping the university achieve carbon neutrality. Interns will gain hands-on experience in research, creative writing, social media management, Green Bikes, the Community Garden, sustainability conference planning, and carbon neutrality programs. Positions require up to 40 hours per week for 10 weeks, starting the week of May 21, with flexible scheduling. Applications, including a resume and cover letter, are due by March 23 to pgramlich@colgate.edu . Summer 2017 intern Chaveli Miles emphasized that impactful sustainability can happen locally, through peer-led and institution-supported initiatives, without needing to be political.

The º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ Community Garden is hiring summer interns to work with Garden Manager Beth Roy. Interns help maintain the garden, including weeding, planting, and harvesting for the weekly farm stand, working about 40 hours per week. The internship offers hands-on experience in vegetable and organic farming, engagement with the local community, and learning about sustainability initiatives at º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ through a course led by John Pumilio, Director of the Office of Sustainability. Previous interns highlight that no prior gardening experience is necessary, and the internship provides a unique opportunity to see where your food comes from. Applications, including a resume and one-page cover letter, are due March 23 to eroy@colgate.edu

Revée Needham ‘18 describes her experience in º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½â€™s extended study in Patagonia, a collaboration between the Office for Off-Campus Study, the Office of Sustainability, and Patagonia Sur. Twelve students joined Biology Professor Eddie Watkins and Sustainability Director John Pumilio to study reforestation and forest ecology at the º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ Forest in Chile.

Over winter break, a º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ student joined Professor Linda Tseng in Italy for eight days to collect and analyze water samples from historic fountains in Florence, Siena, and Assisi. This trip built on the student’s ongoing research with Dr. Tseng since summer 2017 on water and sediment quality in Payne Brook and the Hamilton wastewater plant.

2017 marks º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½â€™s ninth consecutive greenhouse gas inventory report.