Sustainable and Well Res Life
December 1, 2015
Program Ideas
Need funding for an event? Sustainability themed programs should fill out the Sustainability Program Funding application. Wellness related programs should fill out the Wellness Program Funding application.  The Center for Sustainable Communities and Wellness Department will be reviewing applications frequently, but it is best to apply at least two weeks ahead of your program.
Re-gifting Exchange. Spread some holiday cheer by putting on a Green Gift Exchange! Whether you host a Secret Santa program, or a White Elephant party, encourage your party attendees to find gifts that have been already gently loved, or that are unique finds from local Thrift Stores in Decorah- the best gifts don't have to break your bank or be brand new. Bring your floor together in the spirit of giving for bonding and potentially receiving a unique item! Read more about ideas of how to have a green gift exchange!  
 
Snowshoeing. Snowshoeing is the perfect way of getting outside for some fresh air and exercise with the arrival of winter weather. Recreational Services has lots of snowshoes that you or your floor can borrow for free, and Luther has many trails that can serve as perfect tracks for exploring the outdoors! Visit the Rec Services Equipment Information and Check Out webpage to learn more and to reserve your snowshoes for an afternoon of winter fun! 
Features and Updates
Laundry Survey Results. Earlier in the semester, Sustainability Educators helped collect information about student laundry habits in the residence halls. With nearly 50 respondents, we found that 55% of students were already using cold water to wash their clothes. 55% occasionally air dried their clothes, while 28% never air dried, and less than 1% reported they always air dried their clothes. After taking the survey and speaking with the Sustainability Educator, 70% of respondents said they would be more likely to use cold water on a regular basis while washing clothes. Reminder stickers and posters have been placed on every washer in each resident hall reminding students to use cold water.

Immersion Trip Leaders. Looking for a way to extend your welcome to incoming first year students? The application deadline for Immersion Trip Leaders has been extended through December 8th! The Immersion Program provides current Luther students with outdoor leadership training and experiences while giving incoming students a community-building wilderness orientation that enhances their personal development and transition to college life. Read more and apply on the Immersion Program website today!

Pinterest. Luther College Sustainability has a Pinterest account that can provide ideas for future programs, fact sheets on wellness and sustainability, and bulletin board ideas. Check out our Pinterest account to access lots of ideas for how to make your floor as sustainable and well as possible!   
Tips for a Healthier Residence Hall
Staying well during Christmas at Luther. While Christmas at Luther is a loved tradition, the stressful week leading up to it and the performance weekend provides a perfect opportunity for sickness to come up. Here are a few tips to keep you and your residents happy and healthy throughout the week:
  1. Get sleep. Sleep is the easiest thing to forgo with late rehearsals and assignments building up. But it is also the thing that will help you fight off a cold and keep your energy up, so keep it a top priority!
  2. Drink tea. Tea not only helps keep your throat in tip-top shape, but can also provide a supplement boost during cold season. Make sure you pick herbal teas that are not caffeinated so it doesn't keep your brain racing when it's time to sleep!
  3.  Skip sugary treats. Seasonal treats may look appealing, especially when they are abundant during this time. But scarfing down sugar when you need something more substantial will only lead to a sugar crash later on. Pick snacks with protein and natural sugar (like fruits and veggies) that will tide you over for a longer amount of time!
This newsletter is provided by the Center for Sustainable Communities in collaboration with the Luther College Wellness Department. The mission of the Center is to promote sustainability and be a catalyst for change on campus and in the region. We believe that physical wellness is an important component of sustainability, and advocate for the physical, mental, and emotional health of our campus and local community. For more information on initiatives at Luther and the outreach work of the Center for Sustainable Communities and Wellness Department, please visit:  www.luther.edu/sustainability and www.luther.edu/studentlife/wellness/.
Upcoming Events
On Campus

Shopping Shuttle 
Saturday, December 7th 
11am-12:30pm SOS Room 
The Shopping Shuttle takes students to the Co-op and to Walmart to complete shopping needs free of charge.  Learn more 

Sustainability Council meeting  
Thursday, December 10th 
4:15pm Borlaug Room  
The Sustainability Council is responsible for voting to recommend policies and programs to the cabinet for approval, approving funding for sustainability grants, and providing feedback on new programs. Learn more 
Staff Spotlight
Sam Pollan
Energy and Waste Fellow










Sam Pollan is the Energy and Waste Fellow at Luther College. A recent graduate of Dickinson College, Sam works with students, faculty, and administration to reduce Luther's waste production and energy consumption. He has been recognized as a Baird Sustainability Fellow for his outstanding commitment to sustainability both on and beyond the Dickinson campus. Sam has been the key player in putting on the Bike to the Farm event earlier in the semester, as well as getting plastic film recycling on campus. Sam is a resource for you- if you have ideas about how to make Luther more sustainable or are looking for ways to get more involved, stop by his office in Valders 372K or send him an e-mail anytime!   
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