Research labs at universities consume copious amounts of energy. For instance, a single chemical fume hood in a lab can consume as much energy as three average American homes. Toss in a few lab freezers holding a constant -80 degrees Celsius temperature and energy consumption adds up quickly. While research allows us to live healthier and better lives, simple shifts in behavior can reduce the environmental impacts associated with research.

Dining Services has expanded its menu of eco-friendly actions in hopes of providing students with a more sustainably satisfying experience.   The Anytime Dining Program launched in Fall 2016 gives residents on meal plans unlimited access to the three dining halls—they can enter as often and eat as much there as they like on reusable dishes (and no single-use, disposable products).  

During the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources' second annual Cornerstone Event, AGNR will build partnerships around the college's strategic initiative, Ensure a Clean and Healthy Chesapeake Bay. Read More

NPR Highlights UMD's Commitment to Serve More Climate-Friendly Foods Read More

You can now buy and sell lightly-used clothing at Uptown Cheapskate in College Park! The thrift store — located below Monument Village apartments on Route 1 — had its grand opening Sept. 26 to a line of waiting customers snaked around the sidewalk outside. Read More

On Wednesday, November 13, join Kahlil Kettering ('15), Urban Conservation Program Director, Washington D.C., of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) for Lunch with Leaders at the Do Good Accelerator. Enjoy lunch and a conversation about stormwater retention, green infrastructure, conservation, and more. Learn more and register at go.umd.edu/lwltnc. Read More

The UMD Arboretum was named the Professional Grounds Management Society’s (PGMS) 2019 Green Star Grand Award recipient for excellence in grounds management for an urban university! The PGMS Green Star Grand Award is the highest recognition for excellence of landscape management practices in the country. Read More

The Office of Community Engagement is seeking volunteers to serve as team leaders or environmental ambassadors on Good Neighbor Day, the annual community day of service in College Park to beautify shared spaces and engage in sustainable practices.  The ninth annual Good Neighbor Day will take place on Saturday, April 4. The 2020 event is projecting more than 1,000 volunteers for nearly 25 service projects throughout Greater College Park. 

Spending as little as 10 minutes of leisure time experiencing nature can measurably improve college students’ mental health and well-being, according to a recent study led by UMD and Cornell University researchers.

For the past three years, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Romel Gomez has challenged students to push the laws of physics and the limits of technology in his electric bicycle capstone course, where students have developed everything from a solar recumbent bike to an e-mountain bike capable of climbing the stairs of Maryland’s Xfinity Center. Read More