The Daily Cardinal Action Project series is an effort to investigate under-reported issues facing the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the surrounding community. The third edition of this project looks at environmental sustainability issues affecting the local campus community.
About this issue
A note from the management desk: Making a more sustainable future the priority
Ensuring the future of our planet is a global issue, but The Daily Cardinal wanted to delve into the topic on a local and individual level, from initiatives going on within the university, the city of Madison and Dane County. With Earth Day this week, it seemed like a perfect time to explore the idea of sustainability. What we found is that individuals in the community are already creating change for the better, but there’s always more that can be done.
News
Building a more sustainable future for UW: Campus officials strive to use 2005 Campus Master Plan to create and maintain a 'greener' UW
By creating and renovating campus buildings in an environmentally sustainable manner, the University of Wisconsin-Madison inspires and preserves its commitment to progress, awareness and innovation.
Madison expands compost effort, offers free introductory classes: City hosts events, free classes to boost waste reduction
Although once considered an infeasible and costly option for homeowners, Madison city officials and residents now recognize composting as a crucial element to city-wide sustainability.
Spiny water flea threatens health of Madison lakes
The spiny water flea, native to Russia and Northern Europe, took hold of Lake Mendota in the summer of 2009, according to Limnology Ph.D student Jake Walsh.
Funding for a 'green' future: Green Fund aims to renew environmental dedication
As is often the case when major institutional budgets are adapted to meet cultural demands, the Associated Students of Madison’s new Green Fund met its fair share of scrutiny in 2014.
Riding on two wheels in a world of four: Madison's bicycle advocates maintain optimism despite facing municipal, state opposition
Madison may boast the 9th highest percentage of bicycle commuters in American cities, according to the League of American Bicyclists, but it’s still an automobile's paradise. And it’s not easy having two wheels in a world with four.
An ‘era of man-made climate change’: United Nations' report outlines plan to 'adapt and mitigate' impacts of changing global climate
Students have heard about climate change for the better half of their lives on the news, online and even in classes focused on the issue. Still, few grasp their role in the matter or the impact climate change will have on their lives and the lives of those around them.
UW-Madison student makes strides for campus sustainability
Before garnering national recognition as one of 50 students awarded the 2014 Udall Scholarship, University of Wisconsin-Madison junior Colin Higgins founded the Associated Students of Madison Sustainability Committee and helped run a competition between residence halls to reduce electricity use.
Science
UW leads in good food system research
Maintaining what nature has to offer us and harmonizing the relationship between nature and humans is the goal of sustainability.
Interest in organic movement grows with technology
The word “organic” is a buzzword in the whole foods/go natural movement. Prior to my interview with Erin Silva, associate director for the Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems, I had a narrow definition of what “organic” meant. I thought it was just food grown without pesticides typically found at places like Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and the farmer’s market.
Ask Ms. Scientist: endangered bananas and hibernation
Opinion
Local Langdon district could push Madison in 'greener' direction
If you take a walk up East Gilman Street or North Pinckney Street, you have surely taken note that most of the houses you pass have greater historic character and continuity than some of Madison’s other downtown neighborhoods. The city’s decision to make the Mansion Hill neighborhood a locally designated historic district in the 1970s is the key reason why the neighborhood today has the highest concentration of historically significant residences in the city.
Cities can serve as blueprint for sustainable living
A recent article on BBC explored the role cities play in efforts to combat global climate change. Cities are immediately described as “carbon criminals” since they account for “three quarters of global energy consumption and for 80 percent of greenhouse gas emissions.” True that may be, however cities are far from “carbon criminals.” Instead they’re keys to saving us from our own self-destructive tendencies.
Arts
Earth Day honored with recycled art: Evolution Arts Collective holds gallery show April 18 focusing on recycling-centric art
On April 18, the Collective debuted its first-ever recycled art show, according to co-founder Kim Roberts, in honor of Earth Day.
Video
Feedback
The Daily Cardinal wants to know your thoughts on environmental sustainability. Let us know by emailing actionproject@dailycardinal.com and tweeting at #dcactionproject.
