The LSA Year of Sustainability focuses on integrating sustainable practices into the college's culture and curriculum through events, activities, and projects that engage the community on environmental issues. EARTH is following suit and is doing its part in working toward a more sustainable future.

Julie Cole has been instrumental in college sustainability efforts thus far. Cole is part of a team of faculty from across the college who meets weekly and drives the LSA Year of Sustainability initiatives. The team focuses on environmental and climate justice, recognizing that marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by climate change and environmental racism. Part of Cole’s role as a supporting faculty member is to help LSA members put forth new ideas to increase sustainability. The working goal of the committee is to move toward carbon neutrality, not only in LSA but across the university as a whole.

Jessica Fayne and Sara Rivera received Embed Climate Change in Courses Grants. Both grants will go toward developing new course curriculums that aim to foster creativity and independence in addressing climate-related issues.

The new Lab Swap Shop in the North University Building offers free, pre-owned lab equipment, supporting waste-reduction goals. Opened on June 6, it has saved over $51,000 in equipment costs and diverted nearly 600 pounds from landfills. Researchers can donate and pick up needed items, with new inventory added regularly.

The Geomicrobiology Lab also received funding from the Incentives and Innovations Fund which will go toward the Western Lake Erie Culture Collection. This funding will be used to replace disposable plastic consumables with glass alternatives, reducing emissions and waste. It will also train undergraduate researchers in sustainable methods, leading the way in sustainability practices.