Washington University in St. Louis is fully committed to being a national leader in sustainability, a core priority that runs through all aspects of our community, our operations, and our work as a leading teaching and research institution. Explore how we are addressing climate change and environmental degradation.

What we’re doing

We’ve invested in significantly reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices on our campuses and beyond.

Learn how we’re helping

What you can do

From joining an organization to changing everyday behaviors, you can join WashU in protecting environmental and public health.

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Share Our Stuff

Share Our Stuff is WashU’s annual move-out collections drive, this year from April 15 to May 20. This collaborative effort makes it easy for students to donate their unwanted items at move-out in a way that benefits our community and keeps usable goods out of the landfill.

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SPARK

SPARK: Sustainability Leadership Training Program brings together environmentally-minded students to learn and network. It will take place August 16-24 and includes an overnight retreat, guest lectures, volunteer work, and day trips to local organizations.

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Community Supported Agriculture

CSA programs provide a convenient and affordable way for community members to access fresh, healthy and seasonal food while supporting and connecting with local farmers. WashU’s CSA program is managed by HOSCO.

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News

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Nature Earns Music Royalties

June 24, 2024
Nature Earns Music Royalties
Spotify and Apple Music users can now support global conservation efforts while listening to some tunes. NATURE has recently become a verified artist on Spotify and Apple Music, courtesy of Sounds Right, a project initiated by the Museum for the United Nations.   According to its website, “Sounds Right is a music initiative to recognise the […]

Microplastics: Where They Are and How to Avoid Them 

June 24, 2024
Microplastics: Where They Are and How to Avoid Them 
Microplastics were found in 100% of human testicles that were examined in a recent study. Add that to the list of places that scientists have discovered the tiny plastic particles, including rainwater, breast milk, placentas, meconium, lungs, and animal proteins.   What are microplastics?  The term “microplastics” was dubbed by Richard Thompson, a biologist who […]

Climate-Friendly Summer Cookouts  

June 24, 2024
Climate-Friendly Summer Cookouts  
Summer is a popular time for the classic cookout: fire up the grill, throw on some burger patties and hot dogs, pop open a cold beverage and enjoy the slow season with friends and family.   According to Project Drawdown, a leading resource for global climate solutions, Plant-Rich Diets is the number two climate solution for […]
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In our summer newsletter, check out stories about microplastics, climate-friendly cookouts, and how music can support conservation. Also learn about upcoming events like the final Share Our Stuff drop-off of the year and the exciting annual SPARK sustainability leadership program. WashU is participating in National Bike to Work Day this Friday, May 17th! There are Bike to Work Day hospitality stations hosted by Metro Transit, Great Rivers Greenway, Trailnet and WashU. Whether you’re an experienced bike commuter or curious to give it a try, National Bike to Work Day is a great time to ride to work! Stop by any of the following stations located outside Metrolink stops between 7 and 8:30 am to enjoy coffee, fruit and other snacks: Join us at these events to have your pick of a wide variety of donated dorm/apartment essentials! Get excited to sort through this lightly-used assortment to find something perfect for you while supporting circular material reuse! Click our link.tree or check out the event page on our website for more info! #washusustain In our final newsletter of the school year, read about WashU's new food waste reduction program, Leanpath. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and we've included our story about climate anxiety. We've also got a lot of events coming up as part of the Share Our Stuff move-out program as well as a number of opportunities for this summer. Check it out at the link in our profile. During campus move-out, SOS will be holding sorting days to organize the donations we receive. Students can volunteer to help with sorting efforts and in return have the first pick of items they discover (up to 10 lbs per hr donated)! We receive (LOTS of) clothes and small home goods items. We hope to see you there! For more info go to our link.tree or visit this webpage https://sustainability.wustl.edu/calendar_event/share-our-stuff-sort-and-score/ Two part-time paid internships with the Office of Sustainability are now open! This is a great way to gain professional skills, get hands-on experience in the sustainability space, and accelerate sustainability work at WashU. Scan the QR code or check out our Linktree for more details. #washusustain WashU's Earth Day Festival is this Thursday, April 25, from 10am - 2pm! It will take place on the School of Medicine Campus across the McDonnell Pediatrics Building Atrium and UHSP Quad. WashU departments, Farmers Market vendors, and community programs will be there! #washusustain #earthday Happy Earth Day! On the first Earth Day in 1970, 20 million people in the US took a stand to demand a better way forward for our planet. Here we are more than 50 years later, ready to celebrate the achievements of the environmental movement. This is an opportunity to give each other hope, inspiration, and motivation to keep fighting for a healthy planet and climate justice! 🌎 In April's newsletter, read about the new e-mobility charging hubs in the South 40 and Village. Moving out? Learn more about Share Our Stuff, WashU's annual move-out collection program and associated sales! Looking for summer plans right before classes start in the Fall? Sign up for the free SPARK: Sustainability Leadership Program. All of this and more in April's newsletter which you can access via the link in our bio.