On December 4, the first Sustainability Fair at UMD provided an excellent opportunity for students, faculty, and community members to learn about and discuss sustainability issues.

Six panels were held throughout the day. The first was related to Sustainability at UMD, where audience members learned about UMD’s efforts to become more sustainable through energy, water and waste management, LEED buildings, and the U-Pass program. The Social Sustainability and Equity in Duluth panel discussed efforts to solve homelessness issues.  Local business representatives discussed how sustainability relates to their business’ bottom line during the Sustainability in Business panel. During Local Sustainable Agriculture panel, farmers, marketers, and consumers discussed the impact of localized agriculture.  Energy solutions were tackled next, during the Energy Conservation and Innovation panel.  Lastly, the largest rain garden on campus was discussed during a panel on Water.

Local businesses related to food, community, energy, and water issues participated, along with UMD groups.  Over 75 students, faculty, staff, and visitors took the Sustainability Challenge at the UMD Office of Sustainability booth, pledging to make three simple changes in their lives to move towards sustainability.

To add additional feedback or sustainability ideas you have, go to www.addinguptozero.com