Using Food Democracy to Rebuild Local Food Systems lecture
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 On Wednesday, May 4th, at 7 pm in Valders 362, Sonia Kendrick of Feed Iowa First will present "Using Food Democracy to Rebuild Local Food Systems" about her work with food justice in the Cedar Rapids area. A Veteran of the War in Afghanistan, Sonia is the founder of Feed Iowa First, a nonprofit that partners with 22 businesses and churches throughout Cedar Rapids to grow fresh produce which is then distributed for free to food insecure residents of Linn County. Dedicated to confronting food insecurity today and tomorrow by growing food and farmers, Feed Iowa First raises wholesome, top-quality, fresh food and delivers it to those in need. An engaging speaker, Kendrick is sure to inspire and entertain. |
| Move out quickly approaching, waste diversion partnerships form |
 The Center for Sustainable Communities is partnering with the Depot Outlet, the Spectrum Network, and First Lutheran Food Pantry to divert student move out waste and give back to the community. Starting the Friday before finals there will be a clearly marked donation room in each residence hall where students can donate furniture, clothing, laundry detergent, unopened non-perishable food, rugs, working electronics, and posters or other reusable room decorations. Redeemable glass containers will also be collected, with all money to benefit the Spectrum Network. The goal is that the only things going in the dumpsters are completely unusable furniture; wet, dirty, or mildewed clothes; opened, non-compostable food; and anything that cannot be composted or recycled. The men's frisbee teams and other helpers will staff waste stations near residence halls three times each day between Wednesday and Sunday to assist with waste diversion. We need all the help we can get! Faculty, staff and students interested in helping out for a shift or two should email sustainability@luther.edu. This is a great way to make a significant difference on campus during move-out week.
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| CSA Rebate deadline approaching |
 Faculty and staff, did you know Luther will reimburse 50% of a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) share up to $100? The CSA reimbursement program makes it easy to eat fresh, delicious food while supporting local agriculture. Food education events throughout the growing season also provide valuable knowledge and skills for using the produce received. Shares are available through many local farms and each has a variety of options to fit your needs and budget. There are even garden shares, which provide plants and garden assistance for those who want to grow their own food! The deadline for registration is May 1. More information and the registration form can be found on our website. |
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Sustainability Leadership Institute a success
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 On April 8th and 9th over 60 students from 22 colleges and universities from across the Midwest met at Luther for a weekend of skill-building and networking. Groups of students attended workshops on storytelling, project ideation and implementation, diversity, and skills for sustainability leaders. They also had opportunities to engage with each other about their vision for their institutions and talk about projects they are working on at their schools. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Students were grateful for the opportunity to engage with their peers about initiatives they are working on and troubleshoot with people who have shared similar challenges in making changes on their campuses. Read more about the conference in the Luther CHIPS article about the event. |
Reduce energy consumption by taking advantage of natural light when possible. Rather than turning lights on, opening the blinds saves money by minimizing energy use and provides numerous health benefits including improved sleep, elevated mood, alertness, and a positive effect on metabolism.
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The Center for Sustainable Communities is always looking for ways to improve our publications and incorporate more information for our stakeholders. If you have any questions, concerns, general comments, or story ideas for future newsletters, please email sustainability@luther.edu at any time. Thank you!
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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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Friday, April 29th
Energy and Water Task Group
11am, Valders 374
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Wednesday, May 4th
Sonia Kendrick Lecture
7pm, Valders 362
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Wednesday, May 4th
Food, Purchasing, and Waste Task Group
3pm, 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.
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Wednesday, May 4th
Shopping Shuttle
7:30pm, Student Organizational Suite
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|  | Emily Dufford
Cafeteria to Community Coordinator, Office Assistant | |
Emily Dufford is a senior environmental studies and Spanish major. She coordinates volunteers and leads volunteer shifts for the Cafeteria to Community program. She also works in the office on marketing and sustainability promotion tasks. Emily has been involved in the Environmental Concerns Organization (ECO) throughout her time at Luther and volunteers in the gardens and for land stewardship at every opportunity. Emily enjoys working for Sustainability because it allows her to put her education into action and make meaningful change in her community. After graduation, Emily will be completing a year of service in Milwaukee, WI, working on food justice initiatives with an area church.
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Urban Refuge Institute
Responsibilities include working with FWS partners in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) to formulate and carry out schoolyard wildlife habitat design, establishment, and maintenance in Northern Virginia. The intern will utilize and supervise local volunteers, including students completing community service, 4H members and Boy Scouts. Read more
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Green Iowa AmeriCorps hiring for 2016-17
Green Iowa AmeriCorps is hiring students of all majors and backgrounds for positions serving throughout Iowa. Service members help Iowa communities save energy, provide energy conservation education, and engage the community in worthwhile outreach activities. Read more
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