Best time for better bulbs
A study from U-M researchers published in the fall recommends replacing all incandescent and halogen light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) or LED bulbs in households. But when it comes to existing CFLs and LEDs, it may be best to wait until LEDs use even less energy and are even lower in cost before making a swap, researchers said.
Previous studies had noted that LEDs reduce spending on energy over time and are a cost-effective alternative to other light bulbs but did not look at the best time to replace an existing bulb.
Offshoring pollution to poor countries
Manufacturing plants in the United States are creating less pollution as the production of more goods has shifted to low-wage countries, according to researchers from U-M and Shanghai Jiaotong University.
An analysis found that toxic emissions of major air pollutants by U.S. manufacturers fell more than half between 1992 and 2009, despite significant growth in real U.S. manufacturing output. The cost to comply with environmental standards in the U.S. costs hundreds of billions of dollars each year. Less-developed countries spend very little and avoid stricter policies that may slow economic growth.
Changing climate and parasite loss
Parasite species – tapeworms, ticks, and others pests – are one of the life groups most threatened by the Earth’s changing climate, according to a global analysis by researchers including U-M ecologist Nyeema Harris. In fact, up to a third of parasite species may be extinct by 2070, the analysis found.
Harris was part of a team of 17 researchers in eight countries that spent years tracking down the exact geographical source of tens of thousands of parasite specimens, including a flea she plucked from a black-footed ferret, one of the most endangered carnivores in North America.
EarthFest
Each year the Central Campus Diag transforms into a one-stop shop for all things related to sustainability at U-M, showcasing the breadth of work in the areas of research, education and operations. Referred to as the “party for the planet,” the annual event has taken place for more than 20 years and is divided up in four sections based on the efforts working toward the 2025 sustainability goals.
Engaging the Community at the Campus Farm
Two new positions, farm manager and sustainable food Program manager, were created to help nurture long-term relationships in support of sustainable agriculture from finding potential markets for the Campus Farm’s produce to connecting with faculty to teach related courses to helping coordinate the many student groups on campus that are linked to food-related programs.
Zero-waste campus events
Members of the U-M community helped reduce waste generated on campus by hosting a zero-waste event. The Office of Campus sustainability provides guidance and assistance to students, faculty and staff for creating a zero-waste event, where 90 percent of waste is diverted from the landfill through recycling and composting. U-M composted 615 tons of food waste in fiscal year 2017.
Reducing waste at Michigan Medicine
Michigan Medicine is gearing up to launch the Blue Wrap Recycling Program, a pilot program focused on reducing hospital waste sent to the landfill through the recycling of unique medical plastics. The program is tentatively set to begin in March at the Frankel Cardiovascular Center. In addition, pre-consumer composting within the University Hospital has diverted an estimated 190 pounds per week from the landfill.
