Planet Blue Begins with You

Discover how you can make an impact in U-M sustainability efforts

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.

Planet Blue Begins with You

Discover how you can make an impact in U-M sustainability efforts

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.

Planet Blue Begins with You

Discover how you can make an impact in U-M sustainability efforts

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.

Planet Blue Begins with You

Discover how you can make an impact in U-M sustainability efforts

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.

Planet Blue Begins with You

Discover how you can make an impact in U-M sustainability efforts

New in 2017, the Campus Farm began providing food to be served to the campus community at the MDining halls and residential cafes. Established in 2012, this student-project serves as the central hub of hands-on activity related to the production of sustainable food. Food is grown by students, harvested by students, prepared for students and consumed by students as well as faculty and staff.

Planet Blue Begins with You

Discover how you can make an impact in U-M sustainability efforts

Michigan researchers and staff are testing how to use the immense thermal energy of large buildings as theoretical battery packs. The goal is to help the nation’s grid better accommodate renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar.