In Our Nature

As the New Year approaches, there's a simple step UW employees can take to save time, energy and resources.

Opting to receive your tax forms digitally rather than on paper is more secure, and also means you can access them immediately when they are available. It also contributes to a more sustainable University of Washington. UW employees need to take action through Workday by Jan. 5, 2018 to go digital for the upcoming tax season.

Mailing tax forms requires more than 60,000 sheets of paper, along with about 49,000 envelopes (and nearly $24,000 worth of...

If you're scrambling for last-minute gift ideas, don't forget to think of the larger picture. Here are a few ways to shop sustainably this holiday season. 

1. Be mindful with your dollar: Put money back into your community by supporting local artists at holiday art fairs like the Holiday Craft & Gift Show at the Center for Urban Horticulture until Dec. 23 or at small local businesses, or find a favorite holiday piece on...

Guest post by Sustainability Game Jam organizer Lauren Kuehne.

Three math professors who always wanted to try building a game but never had the time. A graphic designer thinking about taking a digital game design program next year. A graduate student in statistics who is passionate about sustainable river management. These are just a few of the stories of the people who participated in the UW Sustainability Game Jam on Nov. 11-12. Their mission: to design a game that engaged a wider community on a topic or concept related to sustainability – all in one weekend.

The...

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, a sudden chill in the air, and what I assume to be new Christmas bells decked on top of Kane, the holiday season is officially in full swing! For many, this is the time of the year to take advantage of Black Friday’s low prices and stock up on the household items, christmas gifts, and miscellaneous objects you never knew you needed (until now!) For others, 'tis the season to "opt-out".

Coined by mega outdoor retailer REI, the #OptOutside campaign is a call to action for environmental activists...

The Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program at The University of Washington (DDCSP@UW is now accepting applications for the 2018-2019 cohort. Freshmen and sophomores with a passion for conservation and environmental justice are encouraged to apply by February 5, 2018.

DDCSP@UW is a paid, two-summer experiential learning experience that explores conservation across themes of climate, water, food and ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest. By exploring...

Hey there!

My name’s Jayna Milan and I’ll be helping out the sustainability team as the Communication Intern for this school year! I was born in Malaysia and grew up in Thailand at an international school, and am now a junior studying business with an focus in marketing. I’m incredibly excited to join the team and have the opportunity to highlight student projects across campus and be part of a community that not only cares about the environment, but will work hard to include everyone in the conversation.

I aspire to shake up the traditional corporate world...

Take a big breath and sit back, midterm season is finally over!

Perhaps it's just me, but I often get overwhelmed by the sheer number of events and activities there are to do on campus. It's a double-edged sword as there are so many fascinating speakers, seminars, and fairs to attend, but it's hard to narrow down exactly which ones to pay attention to from the never-ending list.

Have no fear! Every week, we will compile the top events that you should attend around campus. For a more comprehensive update on upcoming events, check out our full...

If you're interested in games and the environment, sign up for the Sustainability Game Jam this weekend. Inviduals and teams will work Nov. 11-12 to create game concepts and prototypes that promote sustainability. 

Everyone, regardless or background or skill, is welcome. Groups of up to three people can register as a team, or individuals can sign up to be matched to a team. Registered participants should be prepared to commit for most of the weekend. The game jam is intended to provide an immersive environment for creating...

Sambazon and The Ecology Center are looking for students with interesting and innovative sustainability ideas. Winning student projects will receive up to $4,000, along with a Spring semester mentorship from our ecological experts from The Ecology Center.

The “Greenhouse Initiative” competition is open to individuals and student groups. Student must submit a three-minute video by December 3 to enter.

For details and information on how to apply, visit ...

The University of Washington has earned recognition from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) for its sustainability performance, with special recognition in the food & dining and transportation categories.

AASHE's 2017 Sustainable Campus Index lists the UW as the second-rated university in both transportation and food & dining, and...