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Luther meets significant carbon-reduction goals in 2015-2016
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 The Center for Sustainable Communities is excited to announce reaching a major milestone in the 2009 Climate Action Plan. Luther College has reduced its annual greenhouse gas emissions 44.5% since the peak in 2003-2004. Two thirds of these reductions are related to many energy projects and the rest are a result of Luther's investments in wind and solar power. The new solar arrays being installed this fall will enable the college to achieve its 50% carbon footprint reduction goal during the 2015-2016 academic year.
Luther College has set a carbon neutrality date of 2030. In order to achieve this, the College has set a goal for a 70 percent emission reduction by 2020. To read the Climate Action Plan and actions we have taken to implement it, visit the Climate Action webpage.
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Reusable Tableware Policy for Dining Services approved by the Luther College cabinet
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 After being drafted and passed by the Food, Purchasing and Waste Task Group and the Sustainability Council, the Luther College cabinet has approved the Reusable Tableware Policy for Dining Services. This policy states that Luther College Catering and Dining Services will provide reusable tableware at all catering events. Individuals or departments requesting disposable tableware will be charged a substantial fee. The purpose of implementing this kind of policy is that it creates less waste and consumes fewer natural resources than using disposable tableware. In pursuance of the college's mission and goals, it will be the policy of campus catering to use reusable tableware. To read more about Dining Services efforts to reduce their environmental impact, check out the Dining Services Sustainability webpage.
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New drying racks available to students in the residence halls
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As of Thursday, October 22nd, clothes drying racks have been distributed to the residence halls to help reduce the amount of energy used to do laundry. Drying laundry in a machine is energy inefficient, and switching to a natural form of drying clothes can save electricity and protect clothes from wear and tear. Drying racks are available for students to check out through the Service Centers in Brandt, Ylvisaker, Olson, Larsen, Miller and Dieseth.
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Car registration fees go toward bike infrastructure on campus
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 In an effort to improve bike infrastructure on campus, it was decided a few years back to divert $15 from every student parking pass into an Alternative Transportation Fund. This fund is managed by Facilities Services and has been used to purchase and install blue hoop bike racks across campus. In the future, Facilities is looking to place a covered bike rack in the Brandt Hall courtyard. For more information about biking on campus, visit the Transportation and Bikes webpage.
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ECO photo campaign captures why Luther stands for Climate Action
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 During Global Climate Action Week (October 19-23), Luther's student -run Environmental Concerns Organization (ECO) organized a photo campaign to engage students and show why they stand for Climate Action. ECO members tabled in the Union taking pictures, handing out green ribbons for people to wear in support of Climate Action Week, and distributed personal compost buckets to students who were interested in collecting organic waste in their residence hall rooms. To see all the pictures that were taken and to learn more about ECO, visit the Luther ECO Facebook page.
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 Costumes are a huge part of the fall fun of Halloween, and there are many ways for you to make sure your costume is sustainable! Hit up Decorah thrift shops like the Depot Outlet and Goodwill to craft a unique and creative costume! Rather than buying a new costume, save money and reuse someone's old clothes to have the coolest and greenest holiday yet! Check out the Goodwill Industries of Northeast Iowa Facebook page for special deals, and the the Depot Outlet website for store hours.
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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.
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Thursday, November 5th
Sustainability Council meeting
4:15-5:15pm Borlaug Room
The campus Sustainability Council is convening for the second time this semester to discuss new policies and projects on campus. All students, staff and faculty are invited to attend. Read more
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Tuesday, November 10th
Food, Purchasing and Waste Task Group meeting
3-4pm Valders 374
The Food, Purchasing and Waste Task Group is meeting to discuss initiatives related to Luther's local food and waste goals. All students and staff are welcome to attend. Read more
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Tuesday, November 10th
Energy and Water Task Group meeting
4-5pm Valders 374
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Friday, November 13th
Cooking Class: How to Make Stuffed Cabbage
noon-1pm Valders 379
Try your hand at making the Ukrainian version of stuffed cabbage. Stuffed with a mixture of rice, meat and vegetables and served warm, these may be the perfect dish to warm up those chilly fall evenings. Registration for this class is required. Read more
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Liam is a sophomore Environmental Studies major from Urbandale, Iowa. Liam serves as a Zero Waste Project Coordinator. His job is to research and execute sustainable initiatives that will help Luther decrease it's general waste levels over time. Outreach to the students, staff, and faculty is another important part of Liam's job as the team hopes to educate the campus about what's going into the waste stream. Liam says, "It's been cool to see how much support and excitement there is amongst the sustainability workers. Everyone has great ideas and people are always ready to hear new suggestions for how to make Luther greener. My favorite part of working for sustainability is being able to do work that I feel makes a genuine difference. It's rewarding to participate in behind the scenes work that may have a lasting impact on the campus."
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Marketing Program Assistant Intern- Something Special from Wisconsin
Something Special from Wisconsin is seeking a Marketing Program Assistant Intern to assist Wisconsin-based agriculture-related companies increase the sales of their products. Read more
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Sales representative- Clover Valley Farms and Vinegary
Clover Valley Farms and Vinegary near Duluth, MN is hiring a representative to lead sales efforts for their small diversified farm. Read more
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Field Organizer- Iowa Interfaith Power & Light
Iowa IPL seeks to hire a full-time Field Organizer to recruit, cultivate, train and engage volunteers to participate in reaching out to Presidential candidates on clean energy and climate change solutions during the 2015 Iowa Presidential Caucus campaign process. Read more
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