University Communications and Marketing

On Earth Day and every day, UW-Stevens Point focuses on sustainability  

The world may be celebrating Earth Day today, but for UW-Stevens Point, "being green" is celebrated and practiced every day of the year in all we do, from the curriculum to campus facilities.

Even so, you can mark Earth Week on campus and in the community in many ways. Learn more here.

According to Sustainability Coordinator Dave Barbier, UWSP students are what sets the university apart in regards to its green efforts.

"Most of the sustainability practices of the UW-Stevens Point campus are a direct result of student's efforts, energy and their desire to see their university reflect back to them what they want to see in the world," he said. "It is these opportunities which empower them to be confident in their ability to go create change when the leave, whether they do so in their local community, the state, the country or the world."

Here are just a few environmental practices and programs at UW-Stevens Point. As a university, UWSP:

• Joined 75 colleges and universities across the nation in signing a letter that urges the Biden-Harris administration to adopt a target of at least 50 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 (UWSP is already nearing that goal). UWSP has also pledged to work toward being a carbon neutral campus by 2050.
  

• Was the first university in Wisconsin to have 100 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources. 
   
• Created a campuswide composting program and recycling center, using organic materials in grounds keeping and being Greenguard certified in cleaning products. It was the first UW to have compost pails in every residential and academic building.
   
• Uses water efficiently with water bottle refill fountains, a computer-controlled irrigation system, rain gardens and innovative stormwater systems in new parking lots and dual flush toilets.
   
• Helps students, as well as faculty, staff and community members, learn about sustainability and how they can make decisions for a sustainable future.
   
• Developed the only doctoral program in Educational Sustainability in the country and offers a Master's degree in Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems and Community and Organizational Leadership.
   
• Supports workplace wellness and student health, fitness facilities and programs, campuswide smoking ban and Schmeeckle Reserve, a 280-acre conservancy area on campus.
  

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