Month: April 2023

Husky Exchange 2023 – MTU’s Green Move-out Program

Have extra stuff at move out? Don’t throw it away, donate it!

The Husky Exchange is Michigan Tech’s green move-out program. With your help, we will gather reusable but unwanted items from residents as they move out of the residence halls in the spring, then store and sort the items and donate to local organizations or resell/giveaway the items back to students in the fall.  Together we can support students and the local community, divert waste from the landfill, and help build an awareness of sustainability at Michigan Tech. Last year, we collected over 10,000 items and kept more than 2 tons of materials out of the landfill!

When? Students can drop donations off anytime between Friday, April 21 and Sunday, April 30.

Where? There are eight drop off locations in the residence halls:

  • WADS (5): outside the Cafe on the ground floor, and in each of the centrally located kitchenettes (floors 2-5)
  • McNair (2): glass lounge outside the front desk (lobby) and the lobby area on ground floor east of the dining hall.
  • DHH (1): Connector space
  • Hillside (1): first floor kitchen near fireplace
  • Julien Heights and Hillcrest (3): in main entry in each building, and a pop up tent by the dumpster for larger items

What? The general rule is: if it’s clean and might be useful to someone, drop it off.

Partial list of items: pool noodles, broomball sticks, non-perishable food, fans, lamps, storage and shelving, mirrors, office supplies, area rugs, electronics, laundered clothing, and small, clean, appliances.

Questions? email us at sustainability@mtu.edu

2023 Sustainability Campus Leadership Awardees announced!

It takes many hands, hearts, and minds to create a sustainable campus. As a part of Earth Month programming, join us in celebrating four individuals that go the extra mile, dedicating their time and energy to supporting a more sustainable Michigan Tech.

This year’s awardees are:

  • Undergraduate: Janelle Freeman (sustainability science and society)
  • Graduate: Elise Rosky (Ph.D. in physics candidate)
  • Staff: Dan Liebau (Facilities)
  • Faculty: Mark Rudnicki (CFRES)

We will gather for a celebration of the award winners and their accomplishments and provide a brief update on sustainability work at Michigan Tech with some time to enjoy snacks and interact with your peers.

Event Details:

  • What: Sustainability Awards Gathering
  • When: Monday, April 10, from 4-5 p.m. (formal program ends by 4:40)
  • Where:  MUB Ballroom

Here is the 2023 Sustainability Awards video, created by Monte Consulting (Matt Monte is a proud MTU Alum!):

Play Michigan Tech 2022-23 Sustainability Awards video
Preview image for Michigan Tech 2022-23 Sustainability Awards video

Michigan Tech 2022-23 Sustainability Awards

Sustainability Month is Here!

Last year MTU celebrated Earth Week, but this year we have so many new ideas that we’re dedicating a WHOLE MONTH to sustainability events! Our student organizations are excited to show you all the ways you can live more sustainably! Check out the official Sustainability Month flier with individual event descriptions below for all the  ways you can get involved!

  • Clothing Swap – March 30th & 31st, 11– 4pm @ Fisher Hall Do you enjoy thrifting, upcycling, or free stuff? Stop by the clothing swap to check out our free, gently used and donated items. You never know what you might find! Donations accepted at the event. Event hosted by the Students for Sustainability, contact Clare Fidler at ccfidler@mtu.edu for more information.
  • Reading & Conversation with Erin Sharkey Michael Kleber-Diggs – April 3rd, 5:30-7pm in Forestry G002 or on Zoom Erin Sharkey and Michael Kleber-Diggs will discuss, A Darker Wilderness: Black Nature Writing from Soil to Stars, a collection of personal and lyric essays in conversation with archival objects of Black history and memory. This collection explores stories spanning hundreds of years and thousands of miles, traveling from roots to space–finding rich Blackness everywhere. Together we will consider the significance of nature in our lives and on the role of nature in the lives of Black folks. Snacks provided! Event hosted by the Office of the Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Office of Sustainability and Resilience. contact Cindy Pindral at clpindra@mtu.edu for more information.

Virtual Event Link: https://augsburg.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nURxhbBQTJugZwSoU0movQ

  • Clothing Alterations Edu. Session – April 6th, 7-8pm @ MUB Makerspace S4S is hosting a mending and modifying clothing education session. We will have various stations for learning to sew buttons, patches, etc. Event hosted by Students for Sustainability, contact Clare Fidler at ccfidler@mtu.edu for more information.
  • Sustainability Awards – April 10th, 4-5pm @ MUB Ballroom Find out the winners of the 2023 Sustainability Awards and learn about sustainability initiatives at Michigan Tech from Office Director, Alan Turnquist! Light refreshments provided. Event hosted by the Office of Sustainability and Resilience, contact Alan Turnquist at alturnqu@mtu.edu for more information.
  • Bird Feeder Craft Night – April 13th, 4-6pm @ MUB Makerspace Learn to craft a small bird feeder by reusing small plastic bottles. Event hosted by Students for Sustainability, contact Clare Fidler at ccfidler@mtu.edu for more information.
  • Waste Reduction Drive – April 15th, 9am-3pm @ SDC Bring all your old deodorant tubes, dental products, razors, writing utensils, socks, and egg cartons to the SDC to have them recycled by our awesome sustainability leaders from the MTU Sustainability Demonstration House! Contact Abbey Herndon at alherndo@mtu.edu for more information.
  • Art and Music Festival – April 16th, 3:30-7:30pm @ Rozsa Center Lobby Listen to local music, meet with sustainability-related enterprises and student organizations, admire earth-themed artwork, and learn about ways to become involved! Event hosted by Keweenaw Youth Climate Action, contact Paige McKean pemckean@mtu.edu or Francine Rosinski at fmrosins@mtu.edu for more information.
  • Earth Day Dinner – April 20th, 4-7pm @ McNair Dinning Hall Join us for the 3rd annual Earth Day Dinner! Food served in McNair Dining Hall will be plant-based and generated waste will be diverted from the landfill. Event hosted by the Sustainability Demonstration House, contact Kendra Lachcik at ktlachci@mtu.edu or Abbey Herndon at alherndo@mtu.edu for more information.
  • Sustainability Foods and Movie Night – April 21st, 6-8pm @ Fisher 125 Students for Sustainability is hosting a movie night with vegan and vegetarian snacks! Contact Clare Fidler at ccfidler@mtu.edu for more information.