April 2025

Happy Earth Day!

Are you counting down the days? Earth Day is coming!
Since 1970, Earth Day has been celebrated annually on April 22. Each year comes with a new theme, and this year, it’s . is inviting everyone around the globe to unite behind renewable energy and to triple the global generation of clean electricity by 2030. While every day can be an Earth Day, having one dedicated day is a great way to remember and re-energize our efforts to promote a healthy and happy Earth.

If you are interested, EarthDay.org has information on actions to further the movement for a sustainable future related to:

, and

If you are looking for a local celebration to join, the Ogden Nature Center is hosting its on Saturday, April 26th from 11a.m. - 4p.m. There will be free admission, activities for all ages, and a variety of exhibitors to learn from.

Join 91�� for Worldwide Climate and Justice Education Week

This April 7-12, Weber State is once again participating in the , a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness and providing resources on climate change and justice. This year’s events will include interactive climate games, engaging discussions, and student-led sessions; all designed to educate and inspire action.

The week will be filled with exciting opportunities to get involved. All 91�� students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to join. Check out the full schedule and event details here.

Small Electronics Recycling Drive

Did you know that recycling your old, unused cell phones can help save gorillas in the wild? That’s right! Cell phones and other small electronics contain a mineral called coltan, which is mined worldwide, including in areas of Africa that gorillas call home. By recycling small electronic devices, we can reduce the demand for coltan and help protect gorilla habitats.

91�� is partnering with Utah’s Hogle Zoo for the Gorillas on the Line campaign, aiming to recycle as many cell phones and small electronics as possible. You can drop off your small electronics at any Wildcat Store location (Weber, Davis, or Downtown) from March 10 through the end of April. Students can also drop off their items at the Housing offices located in the University Village Community Center and Residence Hall 2 at Wildcat Village.

Accepted items include:
• Cell phones/smartphones
• iPads
• iPods
• Tablets
• Apple Watches
• Adapters
• Chargers
• MP3 players
• Handheld gaming systems
• Headphones

Join us in making a difference; recycle your old devices today!

No Stress Earth Day

Earth Day falls during finals week this year, and we understand that contemplating the fate of our planet can feel overwhelming, especially when academic stress is at its peak. Join us in de-stressing by learning how connecting with the Earth and nature can help you manage stress during challenging times.

The Sustainability Practices and Research Center, in collaboration with AmeriCorps and Campus Compact EnviroCorps, will be hosting two small Earth Day events. The first event takes place on Tuesday, April 15, at the Weber State Stress Relief Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The second event will be held on Earth Day, April 22, at the greenhouse on the third floor of Tracy Hall, also from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This year, our Earth Day events will focus on positive environmental news. Come have your "Earth fortune" read with customized fortune cookies that will introduce you to uplifting environmental news from this year. Each fortune will also include an action item, providing students with ways to engage with sustainability efforts on their own time. Our goal is for students to walk away with new stress management tools and a deeper connection to the natural world without taking too much time away from their studies.

At the Stress Relief Center, we will offer opportunities to simulate contact with nature, along with insights into how green spaces can positively impact mental well-being. At the greenhouse, students can take a self-guided tour featuring informative displays on how connecting with nature can relieve stress and provide both psychological and physiological benefits.

We hope to see you there. Take a break, reconnect with nature, and find new ways to manage stress during finals!

SPARC is Offering FREE Home Energy Walkthroughs

Weber State University's Sustainability Practices and Research Center has partnered with Campus Compact EnviroCorps to offer FREE home energy walkthroughs. These assessments are a practical way to assess how energy is used in your home and identify areas to improve efficiency. While a full energy audit may involve professional tools and services, homeowners can benefit from a range of low-tech interventions that are easy to implement, cost-effective, and impactful. These small upgrades not only improve comfort but also result in significant cost savings.

Key Low-Tech Interventions offered by Campus Compact EnviroCorps are:

Sealing gaps around doors, windows, and other openings prevent drafts, and help maintain a stable indoor temperature. Weather stripping and caulking are inexpensive and easy ways to reduce energy waste. , according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Replacing incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs uses up to and lasts much longer, providing a simple and affordable upgrade. Replacing just 15 incandescent bulbs with LEDs can save about $50-100 per year on electricity bills.
Installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators reduces water usage, lowering both water and energy bills, especially in homes that rely on water heating. A low-flow showerhead can save a family of four up to 2,900 gallons of water per year, .

Home energy efficiency benefits include cost savings and enhanced comfort. Simple upgrades like sealing leaks, using LED lighting, and installing water-saving devices can reduce energy bills by 20-30% annually. With proper insulation, weatherstripping, and efficient lighting, you can maintain a consistent, comfortable temperature throughout your home, preventing drafts and hot/cold spots. Low-tech interventions from a home energy audit can provide substantial savings, improve home comfort, and reduce the impact on the natural world.

If you are interested in getting a free home energy walkthrough, visit the Empower Utah website and fill out the !

Combating Food Waste with the 91�� Food Recovery Network

Spring 2025 has been an incredibly productive semester for the Weber State Food Recovery Network (FRN) chapter. Since January 1st, their dedicated team of eight volunteers has contributed a total of 32 volunteer hours. In terms of food recovery, they have successfully diverted nearly 1,500 pounds of food—valued at approximately $4,000—from landfills and redirected it to those in need at the Lantern House homeless shelter and the Weber Cares Pantry.

A huge thank you to all the volunteers who have generously given their time and energy to help combat food waste on our campus.
If you’re interested in getting involved, you can through GivePulse or reach out to the president of Weber State’s FRN chapter at bohdigarner@weber.edu.

Green Badge Program Update

Participate in the Green Badge Program and start earning your badges today!

April’s Green Badge is “Water Sustainability." Learn about the importance of maintaining good water quality and ways to conserve water.

Full-time employees can earn Wellness Points for participating in the Green Badge Program!

Debbie Hansen, a March Green Badge earner, reviewed the Story Map in the prerequisite action and said, “I found this quote and loved it so I’m including it in my response.
‘Hope is not passive. Hope is not blah, blah, blah. Hope is telling the truth. Hope is taking action. And hope always comes from the people’.”

Does Your Department Have a Green Team?

Form a Green Team today!

The Green Department Program is for faculty and staff to learn ways to make their departments or offices more sustainable. Green Teams work together to earn points and recognition by implementing change and taking actions outlined in a Green Team checklist. Version 4.0 will be coming Fall 2025!

Upcoming Events & Important Dates

Earth Science & Society Seminar Series - Land use & forests for climate change mitigation
Tracy Hall Science Center Room 211
Friday, April 4
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Learn More

Worldwide Climate and Education Week Events
Monday, April 7: Located in Stewart Library, Hetzel-Hoellein (Room 321)
9:30 a.m. - 10:20 a.m.: Climate Issues & Solutions
10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.: Green Space and You
12:30 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.: Working to Net Zero: 91��'s Climate & Sustainability Action

Tuesday, April 8: Located in Stewart Library, Hetzel-Hoellein (Room 321)
9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.: Lessons from Europe
10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.: Symbiosis and Restoration

Wednesday, April 9: Located in Stewart Library, Hetzel-Hoellein (Room 321)
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.: Eco-Poetry Jam and Climate Theater

Thursday, April 10: Located in Wildcat Theater
10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.: Conservation in the Face of Climate Change: Protecting Birds in a Rapidly Changing World
12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.: Sustainability Screenings with SPARC
Film: The Last Resort, about the Great Salt Lake and its many contributions to our environment

Friday, April 11: Located in Stewart Library, Hetzel-Hoellein (Room 321)
8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.: Climate Games!

Saturday, April 12: Located at the 21st Street Pond
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.: Reconnect to the River: Ogden River Clean Up. RSVP .

The events are free and open to all.
Full schedule and event details

Earth Science & Society Seminar Series - Student Presentations
Tracy Hall Science Center Room 211
Fridays, April 11 & 18
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Learn More

Garden Club Meeting
Stewart Library, Room 333
Friday, April 11
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Charitable Chair at the Monarch
Monarch Event Center, 455 25th St.
Friday, April 11
6:00 p.m.

Sustainability Celebration and Awards
Shepherd Union Ballroom C
Thursday, April 17
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Earth Day - Grow Ogden
880 28th Street, Ogden
Saturday, April 26
4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Food Sustainability Committee Meeting
Shepherd Union Room 331
Wednesday, April 30
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.