Center for Sustainable Communities
May 6, 2014
Luther included in "The Princeton Review's Guide to 332 Green Colleges: 2014 Edition"
Released April 17, Luther College was included in the "The Princeton Review's Guide to 332 Green Colleges: 2014 Edition". The guide profiles institutions of higher education in the United States and Canada that demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability in academic offerings, campus infrastructure, activities, and career preparation. Schools were chosen for the guide based on the "Green Rating" scores tallied in 2013. Luther's notable achievements are the launch of the Center for Sustainable Communities in 2013, pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, and robust use of renewable energy. To see the full guide and to read more about Luther's review, visit the Princeton Review's website
Move-out waste diversion
As the end of the year approaches, students are encouraged to donate or recycle unwanted items. Trash to Treasures is an annual event run by the men's basketball team that collects usable, unwanted items to sell during and after finals week. Each residence hall has a designated room where students can drop off donations, which are then brought to the Ashmore-Jewel Barn to be sorted and sold. All proceeds benefit the men's basketball program. Remaining items are packed up and donated to local resale shops. The 2014 Trash to Treasure sales will take place in the Ashmore-Jewell Barn on Friday, May 23 from 7:30-9:30am and 4-6pm and Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day) from 7:00am-1:30pm. For more information about the history of the event and what can be accepted, visit the Trash to Treasure webpage.

Students wishing to get rid of unwanted items can also utilize the Blue Alps, Luther's online outlet to exchange and share goods. Created by Luther students, the Blue Alps allows anyone with a Luther email address to buy, sell, and exchange items within the Luther community. Go to theBlueAlps.com for more information.   
Local Foods Feature: WW Homestead Dairy
WW Homestead Dairy is a collaboration of two family-owned dairy farms that produce and distribute a variety of "all natural," non-homogenized, and rBST/hormone-free dairy products. The business is headquartered in Waukon, Iowa, 20 miles from Luther. Luther purchases skim milk, cheese curds, ice cream, and butter (seasonally) from WW Homestead Dairy. In the past few years, WWH has taken steps to become a more sustainable business by purchasing a more fuel efficient Sprinter delivery truck (cutting diesel consumption by 50%), and using three outdoor wood burning furnaces to heat water that circulates into the barns and houses. To read more about WW Homestead Dairy and Luther's sustainable food choices, visit the website.  
Pre-College Program accepting applications through June 1st
The Center for Sustainable Communities has extended its deadline for 2014 Summer Pre-College Environmental Studies Program applications. The Pre-College Environmental Studies program is a week-long residential program for innovative high school students with a passion for the environment and an interest in creative problem solving. Students will get to explore current environmental and social issues through outdoor-field experience and project-based research working with Luther professors and faculty.  For more information on the program and to apply, visit the Pre-College Program website.
NE Iowa Food and Fitness Initiative to participate in Great Give Day
NE Iowa Food & Fitness Initiative is excited to participate in Great Give Day, a 24-hour, online giving event on Tuesday May 6.  Every dollar donated to NE Iowa Food & Fitness will support ongoing school outreach wellness efforts provided by AmeriCorps and FoodCorps service members in this region.  The goal is to raise $15,000  in a 24-hour period to help continue the work of nutrition education, school gardens, school food changes and more physically active school environments in order for children reach their full potential. To find out more or to donate, visit the  NE Iowa Food and Fitness Initiative website.
ECO celebrates Earth Day
On Earth Day this year, Luther's Environmental Concerns Organization (ECO) spent the day at the University of Madison's  Nelson Institute Earth Day Conference. Students listened to a variety of  speakers including British science-fiction author China Mieville, and attended panels discussing the "green" movement, environmental justice and the status of Earth in the future.

ECO also celebrated Earth Week by organizing a clean up day on Saturday, April 26. Six volunteers spent two hours picking up the hill behind Ylvisaker Hall, and collected many items including a TV, a bike, cafeteria dishes, and a carpet. ECO meets regularly on Thursdays at 7 p.m. in the Melancthon Room of the CFL. For more information about ECO or to get involved, contact group leader Emily Dufford at [email protected].
Sustainability Tip
Looking for a way to travel this summer in an affordable and environmentally helpful way? Consider going through World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, casually known as the WWOOF program. WWOOF links people who want to volunteer on organic farms or smallholdings with people who are looking for volunteer help. With thousands of organic farms in the United States and 100+ other countries, travelers exchange (on average) 4-6 hours of work for a full day of food and accommodations. To read more about the program, visit the WWOOF website
null
This newsletter is provided by the Center for Sustainable Communities, which coordinates all sustainability initiatives at Luther College.  The mission of the Center is to promote sustainability and be a catalyst for change on campus and in the region.  For more information on sustainability initiatives at Luther and the outreach work of the Center for Sustainable Communities, please visit:  www.luther.edu/sustainability.
Upcoming Events
Thursday, May 8: Dumpster Diving at Luther - The Real Story 
 9:40-10:50 a.m.
Valders 362
Come listen to Terry Buenzow from the Winneshiek County Recycling Center present on his findings from his 3 weeks of dumpster diving at Luther this February. He will share interesting photos, findings and observations about recycling and the waste stream at Luther. This event is open to students, faculty and the public.
Faculty Spotlight
Laura Peterson
Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies and Chemistry














Laura Peterson has been a professor in the Chemistry and Environmental Studies depart- ments since 2008. Dr. Peterson teaches courses in Evolution of Habitable Planets, Earth Systems and the Environment, and Introduction to GIS, as well as study away courses through the Earth and Environment program in Italy. In June 2013, Dr. Peterson was awarded a $135,235 grant from the National Science Foundation for a project investigating southern hemisphere climate change over the last six million years in order to better understand key linkages and feedbacks within Earth's climate system. Working with other scientists and student researchers, the project aims to prepare future Earth scientists with the skills needed to face the scientific and societal challenges presented by climate change. To read more about Dr. Peterson and her research, visit her bio
Jobs/Opportunities
Assistant Farm Manager- Red Earth Farms 
Red Earth Gardens in Tama, Iowa is looking for an Assistant Farm Manager for the 2014 growing season.  This position is full-time, year round and has room for growth based on your interests and background. Read More
Cass County Farmers Market Project Manager
Cass County, Iowa is looking to hire a Project Manager to work on revitalizing farmers markets throughout the county. This part-time position will coordinate the rebuilding of   markets during the summer of 2014. 
Farming Assistant- Oostburg, Wisconsin  
A local farmer in Oostburg, Wisconsin is seeking summer help on his 5 acre farm to grow and harvest produce that is donated to the Meals on Wheels chapter in Sheboygan, WI. 
connect logo
Stay Connected

Like us on Facebook   Follow us on Twitter   View our photos on flickr    View our videos on YouTube