Earth Month | Project Green Thumb

Where Tech Education and Food Production Collide

A display of marigolds, cheerful sunflowers, aromatic basil, abundant pak choy, and radiant lettuces catch the eye of students on their morning trek to classes through the South 40. Home to this vibrant collection of plants is none other than WashU’s Student Technology Services (STS), a surprising location for most who would not associate the campus tech lab with a flourishing indoor garden.

The vibrant produce and stunning flowers are arranged on an elaborate garden tower which is part of Project GreenThumb, a 2024 Sustainability Fund initiative that Student Technology Services has been facilitating to fuse sustainability and technology education. Learn more about Project GreenThumb.

New EV Chargers on Danforth

WashU has installed 16 new Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) chargers in garages across the Danforth Campus, bringing the total number of available ports to 39. Starting Aug. 1, a fee will be instated to offset some associated infrastructure costs. Look up the new charging locations.

WashU EnviroCorps

WashU EnviroCorps members serve in roles that assist in energy efficiency, urban trees and waste pollution reduction. Read about how WashU EnviroCorps members support the university and the surrounding community--and find their booth at the St. Louis Earth Day Festival.

Lights Out

It has been three years since WashU signed on to the Lights Out Heartland pledge. This pledge protects bird species migrating through the Mississippi Flyway by managing exterior lighting. Learn more about what this pledge means and how you can take part at home.

Share Our Stuff

WashU's annual move-out collection drive has kicked off and continues through May 14 on campus and select dates for pick-ups through June for off-campus residents. Keep an eye out for sales dates! Check out which items are accepted and where to drop them off.

Commute Sustainably, Save Money

With parking permit sales around the corner, keep in mind the variety of sustainable and affordable commute options available to you. From biking to carpool to free Metro passes, Parking & Transportation Services' Smart Commute page is a great resource.

Ethic of Service Award

Cassie Hage, the Office of Sustainability's assistant director, received the Gerry and Bob Virgil Ethic of Service award, which recognizes WashU community members for their character of service and engagement. Learn more about Cassie's work outside of work.

St. Louis Earth Day Festival

April 26-27, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Forest Park
Check out the biggest green event in St. Louis at the Muny Grounds of Forest Park. WashU is sponsoring free shuttle rides from the Danforth Campus East End Garage and Forest Park-DeBaliviere Metrolink Station. Join the fun!

Medical Campus Farmers Market

Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., UHSP Quad

Stop by WashU's weekly farmers market for fresh seasonal produce, locally produced artisan goods, wholesome bakery items and more! Sign-up fee waived for new CSA program through April! Check out local products.

OneSTL Sustainability Lab

Tuesday, April 29, 3:45-5 p.m., T-REX or Zoom

This event will be an interactive input session for the St. Louis Regional Climate Action Plan. Your input is important to develop recommendations to reduce regional greenhouse gas emissions. Join in person or via Zoom.

Midwest Climate Summit

April 30 - May 2, Madison, WI

UW-Madison host this year's Midwest Climate Summit, a three-day gathering of climate leaders, researchers and professionals focused on expanding knowledge and accelerating climate action. Virtual registration is still open.

Mindfulness Speaker Series Event

Wednesday, April 30, 12 p.m., Zoom

A Buddhist teacher who weaves mindfulness and meditation with justice, Kaira Jewel Lingo will present in the Mindfulness & Anti-Racism Speaker Series. Lingo is an author and spiritual mentor. Register for this virtual event.

Cortex Green Team Events

Wednesday, April 30, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Cortex
Wednesday, May 7, 1-4 p.m., 4220 Duncan

The Cortex Innovation District Green Team has two exciting events coming up: an area clean-up on April 30 and a clothing swap on May 7 (drop off clothes April 21-25).

TreeKeepers Training

May 21, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Location TBD
The WashU Arboretum is hosting Billy Haag, forestry manager for Forest ReLeaf for a TreeKeepers Workshop designed for anyone to attend and learn about tree biology, care and volunteer opportunities. Register in advance.

Kemper Art Museum Seeds Exhibit

Now through July 28, Kemper Art Museum
Seeds: Containers of a World to Come features work by ten contemporary artists who use practices defined by plant-human-land relations. The seed is the kernel of their investigations in the face of the climate crisis.

SPARK Applications Open

The SPARK: Sustainability Leadership Training program invites students to learn and network. It will take place on and off campus, including an overnight retreat. Apply early for guaranteed housing.

Self-guided Campus Tours

Anyone on WashU's campuses can access virtual sustainability and arboretum tours. Simply open the tour on your phone and follow the points on the map, reading informative captions about each site.

Recycle Coach App

Recycle Coach is a mobile app and web widget designed to make recycling sorting easier. Both St. Louis City and County offer a tailored version of the app to their residents.

GRG Walking Book Club

Great Rivers Greenway sponsors a monthly walking book club at the St. Vincent Greenway. The next walking meetings will be May 12 and June 9. Learn more about the events and highlighted books.

RCO Gear Lending Library

River City Outdoors (RCO) recently launched a gear lending library for St. Louis City residents and St. Louis regional organizations that take groups on outdoor trips. Get some gear and get outside!

Seed St. Louis Classes

For anyone interested in learning more about gardening, fruit trees, urban agriculture and more, Seed St. Louis offers classes and resources to support your green thumb. Learn more and sign up.

Do you have a sustainability story to tell from your office or department? Are you an alum working in sustainability and willing to share? Contact us to be featured as a guest author in the OOS newsletter.

Forward

The Office of Sustainability newsletter is intended as a clearinghouse of sustainability-related news and events at the university, in the region and around the world. Listings in the newsletter do not necessarily represent Office of Sustainability endorsements or views. To submit an event or news item to include in the newsletter, email [email protected].

Our mailing address is:
1 Brookings Drive
MSC 1113-211200
Saint Louis, MO 63130

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