sustainability

sustainability

Alternatives to ‘No Mow May’

Alternatives to ‘No Mow May’

, outreach
Spring is in full swing, and many insects, animals, and plants are now active and roaming or growing in your yard. You may also have heard of the “No Mow May” movement from the news, social media, or eco focused organizations. Not mowing for a full month sounds like a nice idea, but it can also lead to a few problems (Damiano, 2023). Abstaining from mowing for only one month out of the mowing season can create confusion for insects and essential pollinators by providing food and shelter for a month, but then taking that shelter and food source away once mowing commences again in June. Insects may have short lifespans, but many have long memories and colony insects communicate … Continued
Earth Hour

Earth Hour

, , Contests, Library Resources
March 25th is Earth Hour, a global program sponsored by World Wildlife Fund for Nature to help the environment.  The challenge is simple – give one hour of your time for the planet.  You can spend the sixty minutes doing anything positive for the environment – pick up trash, plant a tree, or turn off all your lights and electric devices.  It is a good time to be thoughtful and intentional about ecological problems and their solutions.  Earth Hour offers a number of teaching and learning tools on their website, as well. This year, Assistant Professor of Management Jaynne Rivas’ Business and Society’s class will host a recycling competition, “Race to Recycle” with funding support from a community grant.  Teams … Continued
World Bee Day

World Bee Day

, , , Library Resources, Research
One of the most important aspects of getting food from the farm to the table is the necessity of bees to pollinate many of our crops. “Almost 90% of wild plants and 75% of leading crops depend on animal pollinations,” and bees are one of our most important pollinators (WWF-UK). In the US, bees pollinate approximately 130 different agricultural crops, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts, and add nearly 15 billion dollars in improved crop quality and yield. However, many bees are facing significant threats and extinction due to climate change, habitat loss, invasive plants, chemical pesticides, and disease and parasites. The U.S. honeybee population has declined by 60% since 1947 and the rusty patched bumblebee was the first bee to … Continued
Celebrating Spring with a Nature Inspired Scavenger Hunt

Celebrating Spring with a Nature Inspired Scavenger Hunt

, , , , outreach, Programs
In partnership with the Office of Sustainability, the Campus Library created a virtual scavenger hunt in support of Indiana Humanities’ One State/One Story: World of Wonders Community Read program. The Campus Library, along with 31 other non-profits around Indiana, was awarded funding and free copies of the book World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, Other Astonishments by Aimee Nezhukumatathil.  World of Wonders is a beautiful collection of essays, some somber, some humorous, that reflects on our relationship with the natural world and how we can find inspiration and appreciation in our environment. In each chapter, Nezhukumatathil focuses on a particular animal or plant, whose properties and habits remind her of various aspects of her life. She reflects … Continued
Sustainability at IU East: Climate Teach-In and a World of Wonders

Sustainability at IU East: Climate Teach-In and a World of Wonders

, , outreach, Programs
Spring break is this week, and with spring comes a renewed energy to appreciate nature, as flowers and trees begin to bloom and butterflies, bees, and other insects return to our gardens. Warmer weather also signals a return to many events and days dedicated to protecting Earth’s natural resources and spreading awareness of the effects of climate change. To learn more about climate change and ways you can get involved in sustainability efforts, here are a few events happening at IU East and around the world that you can take part in.   Acknowledge and Participate in Earth Hour                 March 26th  8:30pm-9:30pm Earth Hour is a global movement that was started by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) in March … Continued