Student Projects
Energy
Recycling
Luther College’s dedication to the environment can be seen through the campus wide initiative to recycle. In almost every classroom and office you will find blue bins for recycling paper. New exterior recycling receptacles are the latest addition to the recycling program. The Applied Environmental Philosophy class recently won the 2002 “Waste Not Award” from Spectrum Industries Recycling for their new recycling program, went into effect this fall. The plan, which began as a proposal to Residence Life and Facilities Management, revamps the current recycling program to increase the efficiency and support of the current system. There are three main goals of the program:
- to alleviate some of the burden currently placed on the recycling student workers,
- to increase student participation in recycling,
- and through that participation to increase awareness and concern for living a more environmentally responsible lifestyle.
Food
Local Food Purchasing
Luther students, faculty, and staff have been working together to increase purchases of local food on campus. Luther already purchases significant amounts of food from local farmers, processors, and distributors.
Composting
Luther’s cafeteria has long been composting its some of its weight. Recent initiatives have expanded the diversity of items that are composted. In addition to napkins Luther has started composting fruit and vegetable remnants: peels, cores, etc.…, and bread products: bagels, etc., in the cafeteria. Still, no meat, dairy products or hot line food can be included. Each day, members of ECO (Environmental Concerns Organization) haul the scraps across the highway to be composted.
Transportation
Luther has purchased four gas-electric hybrid vehicles as part of the college's fleet. These Honda Civic Hybrids reduce fossil fuel usage and emissions dramatically while educating the dozens of faculty, staff, and students about environmental options. In addition, Luther Facilities Management is phasing in a shift to smaller, more energy efficient vehicles throughout its campus fleet. Luther is also exploring increased use of biodiesel and the purchase of an electric vehicle.
Archive
Environmental Issues at Luther
Compiled by First Year Honors Conversation class in the Spring of 2004
Organic and Local Foods
by Katie Woodzickhow
Student Gardening
by Mara Erickson
Composting Luther
by Lilly Steinberg
Geothermal Energy: How geothermal heating systems work
by Sarah Wieckert
Wind as a Source of Energy
by Nikki Albee
Outdoor Invitation
By Jan-Marie Petersen
Biodiesel Fuel
by Mark Shirbroun