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Dining Services to End Use of Plastic Bags

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The University of Connecticut’s Department of Dining Services will be eliminating the use of plastic bags in its retail and grab & go venues. Effective, Monday, January 21st UConn Dining will discontinue the use of plastic shopping bags in support of the university’s ongoing sustainable efforts.   

This initiative, to discontinue the use of plastic shopping bags, was jump started by a subcommittee of UConnPIRG, a student run, nonprofit organization on the UConn Campus.  Their campaign, to phase out the use of plastic bags, was supported by student surveys and petitions. Beyond policy work, PIRG’s zero waste committee enhanced student awareness regarding the pitfalls of single-use plastics through educational lectures and movie screenings. These initiatives highlighted the deleterious impact of plastic bags on both environmental and public health.

Dining Services will be discontinuing the use of plastic bags in all of their retail operations as well as in their Grab & Go’s. In place of the use of the former plastic bag UConn Dining will be offering a brown paper, 100% recyclable and reusable bag at the cost of ten cents each. In addition, Dining will be offering reusable pocket size shopping bags for sale at cost at the Union Central Exchange located in the Student Union.

Dining Services will also be working with UConn PIRG this semester to establish drop off containers so that paper bags may be recycled utilized by other consumers at no cost to them.

 

 

For more information, read the story in UConn Today:

https://today.uconn.edu/2019/01/dining-services-ends-use-plastic-bags/ 

Environmental Leadership Awards

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The Environmental Leadership Awards (ELAs) presented by UConn’s Office of Environmental Policy, were created as a way to honor those individuals that have truly excelled in their efforts to contribute to environmental awareness and promote progress in our ‘green’ efforts. These individuals have worked with other groups to make real, immediate improvements in the sustainability of our campus and beyond.

A winner is selected for each of the major categories: Undergraduate Student, Graduate Student, University Faculty/Administrator, and Staff. There are also ELA awards given to UConn-Affiliated Groups (e.g., Clubs, Organizations, Centers or Institutes), Alumni, and Special Recognition/External groups and individuals who have made significant contributions in executing major projects and initiatives for the University of Connecticut.

Presenting the awards was Dr. Gene Likens, UConn’s Special Advisor to the President on Environmental Affairs and Distinguished Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Dr. Likens, a world renowned scientist, discovered acid rain.

Congratulations to all the winners!

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Dining Services Wins the Staff Group Award

Dining Services staff: Rob Landolphi, Mike White, Tracey Roy and presenter Dr. Gene Likens

 

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Dining Services’ Spring Valley Student Farm Wins the Student Group Award

 

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Julia Cartabiano, Manager of Spring Valley Student Farm, Wins the Staff Award

 

UConn in Sierra Club ‘Cool Schools’ Top 10 Again

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For the fifth time in as many years, the University of Connecticut is among the top 10 schools in the Sierra Club’s “Cool Schools” ranking. UConn placed ninth on the list this year, and was one of only a few Carnegie Level One Research Institutions still in the top 10. A change in survey methodology knocked previously high-ranking schools lower down the list, and put smaller liberal arts colleges and schools with specialized environmental programs into the top spots.

http://today.uconn.edu/2016/09/uconn-sierra-club-cool-schools-top-10/?utm_source=launchdistribution&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily_email

MyUConn App

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New and Improved MyUConn Mobile App

UITS has launched a revamped version of myUConn, the university’s mobile app and a connection to campus and course information.

The new myUConn app, powered by Kurogo, focuses on enhancing the mobile experience:

  • It works on any size Android and iOS device. You can download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
  • For other types of phones and tablets, you can access the same functionality on the mobile site:  https://my.uconn.edu/
  • Current myUConn HD iPad/Andriod tablet users are encouraged to remove their existing app and download this release of myUConn.

This version of the myUConn app also includes a new maintenance module, which integrates with Facilities Operations’ IT systems. With this new module, you can notify Facilities Operations of maintenance and repair items in dorms and around campus. With intelligent location services included in the module, you can pinpoint the problem, even if you are unsure of the exact site.

More modules as well as improved features are coming. You can learn more at http://mobile.uconn.edu

For more information, contact: Mobile Team at mobiledev@uconn.edu