Is your club involved with su
stainability issues like environmental justice, agriculture, energy or more? Does your club want to be more involved? Let’s connect!
Meet with other clubs and the UConn Office of Sustainability between 5:30p and 7pm on Thursday November 16 in McHugh Hall, room 102. Pizza and beverages provided.
Not part of a club yet? You’re invited too – see how you can get involved with the many UConn student organizations working on saving the environment.
Dear UConn Campus Community,
Today, November 1st, is World Vegan Day, a day to recognize and celebrate the benefits of a vegan lifestyle. Word Vegan Day also helps raise awareness of the ethical and environmental implications of animal agriculture.
For several years I worked with some of California’s largest dairies to advance energy and water conservation efforts. My time on these farms was enough to convince me to stop eating dairy products and drastically cut my meat intake. Many of the operations that I encountered housed 5,000-10,000 dairy cows. These large scale confined animal feeding operations (CAFO’s) are drastically different from the many small farms here in CT but they supply some of the biggest food distributors and restaurant chains in the world with an unsustainable and unethical product. I urge you to shop local and think about the impacts of these CAFO’s before visiting your local chain for a burger. Here is why.
Family farms vs industrial-scale dairy and meat production
There is a significant difference between family farms and industrial-scale dairy and meat production. Family farms are typically smaller, more diversified, and more sustainable. They often raise animals on pasture and use fewer antibiotics and hormones. Industrial-scale dairy and meat production, on the other hand, is characterized by large-scale CAFOs, where animals are too-frequently raised in crowded and unsanitary conditions. CAFOs have a very large environmental impact, sucking up precious ground water (especially in the case of Central CA) and are a major source of air and water pollution. Additionally, these industrial facilities contribute to climate change and antibiotic resistance.
Social impacts of industrial-scale dairy and meat production
There are also significant social impacts of meat and dairy production. For instance, workers in the meat and dairy industry often face poor working conditions and low wages. They are at increased risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals and diseases. Communities near CAFOs often suffer from air and water pollution, and they may also experience decreased property values. Sadly, many farm workers are food insecure and live in food deserts.
Environmental impacts of industrial-scale dairy and meat production
Industrial-scale dairy and meat production is a major contributor to climate change, water pollution, and biodiversity loss. It is also a major consumer of land and resources.
So….. What can we do?
There are a number of things we can do to reduce the negative social and environmental impacts of dairy and meat production. One is to choose to buy meat and dairy products from family farms whenever possible. We can also reduce our overall consumption of meat and dairy products. And we can support policies that promote sustainable and ethical agriculture.
I encourage you to learn more about the social and environmental impacts of dairy and meat production, and to make choices that support a more sustainable and ethical food system. To start, you can check out:
https://sustainablefood.uconn.edu/
https://portal.ct.gov/DOAG/Marketing/Marketing/Organic-Farms-Listing
Sincerely,
Joe Fullerton
Director of the Office of Sustainability
University of Connecticut
Dear UConn Campus Community,
On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, I write to you to honor and celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples across our nation and around the world. I see Indigenous Peoples’ day is an opportunity for reflection, mindfulness and unity, to acknowledge and support Indigenous communities.
Before I go on, however, please take a moment to acknowledge the land on which our university stands. The University of Connecticut is located on the traditional lands of the Mohegan, Mashantucket Pequot, Eastern Pequot, Schaghticoke, Golden Hill Paugussett, Nipmuc, and Lenape peoples. Especially as an Office dedicated to cultivating a healthy relationship between humans and the environment, we honor and respect the enduring relationship that exists between these Indigenous nations and their ancestral lands.
In the spirit Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the Office of Sustainability encourages all members of our community to learn about Indigenous history, culture, and contemporary issues. On campus, one of the best resources for this is the Native American Cultural Program: https://nacp.uconn.edu/.
In the coming months and years, we will engage deeply with the critical issue of environmental justice and will be sharing resources that provide opportunities for education, dialogue, and celebration of the many vibrant cultures and valuable perspectives of our community, including that of indigenous peoples.
I’d like to take a moment to encourage everyone to support Indigenous communities through acts of solidarity and allyship. One simple act is to understand the historical lands upon which you, your loved ones now stand: https://native-land.ca/
Also, I encourage participating in local events, supporting Indigenous-owned businesses, and advocating for Indigenous rights and environmental stewardship. A good place to start is here: https://career.uconn.edu/blog/2020/11/24/native-american-owned-small-businesses/
Indigenous Peoples’ Day reminds us to reflect and take action for an equitable, just and sustainable world. Let us use this day to honor the resilience and wisdom of Indigenous peoples while also acknowledging the challenges they continue to face.
Thank you for joining us in recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and for your ongoing support in our shared commitment to sustainability and inclusivity at the University of Connecticut.
Sincerely,
Joe Fullerton
Director of the Office of Sustainability
University of Connecticut
Prepare to be scared at the annual Office of Sustainability Haunted HEEP (Hillside Environmental Education Park)! This thrilling 1 mile walk through the woods is sure to scare.
Date: Wednesday, October 25
Time: 7-9:30pm
Free! Do RSVP in advance though. We will have a VIP line for quicker access for those who pre-registered.
Rain date will be Thursday, October 26.
First come, first served, and we need to close promptly at 9:30pm. First 100 students will get a limited edition Haunted HEEP shirt.
Where: Entry will be at the HEEP Trailhead off of Discovery Drive and behind the Innovation Partnership Building. You can take the blue line, walk, or park your car in the IPB lot.
Volunteers Needed
We are currently recruiting volunteers to help put on the event. We need people willing to scare, and also to help with entry/exit. If you’ve ever wanted the chance to jump out of the bushes and scare your fellow UConn students, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for!
Does your club want to host a scary scene? Sign up here.
Do you want to volunteer on your own or with friends? Sign up here.
Volunteers will receive a limited edition Haunted HEEP shirt and pizza.
You must be able to be present from ~5pm onwards on October 25th.
You must attend a pre-event trail walk through to get oriented with the site. A walk through will be hosted on Saturday, October 14 from noon-1pm, and a second option on Saturday, October 21 from 2-3pm.