Sustainability

Initiatives

Home » Programs, Initiatives & Educational Engagement Events

Taking UMW to a Greener Future!

Would you like more information on these initiatives? Have an idea for a new sustainability project? Email us at sustainability@umw.edu!

Our Initiatives

1. Waste Reduction and Recycling

    • Single-Use Plastic Phase-Out: Encouraging the use of reusable containers and phasing out single-use plastics on campus.
    • Waste & Recycling: Providing recycling bins in all buildings and educating the community on proper recycling practices.
    • Trick or Trash Campaign: Running initiatives to properly dispose of and recycle Halloween-related waste. This national program took a break in 2024, but we look forward to it’s return…or bringing it back ourselves in 2025!

2.  Sustainable Landscaping and Biodiversity

    • Gardens & Pollinators: Promoting the creation and maintenance of gardens that support pollinator populations.
    • Tree Campus Higher Education: Recognizing effective campus forest management and engaging students in conservation goals. UMW has been a Tree Campus since 2015.

3. Water Conservation

    • Stormwater Management: Utilizing rainwater collection systems and other techniques to manage stormwater and reduce runoff.

4.  Climate Action and Energy Efficiency

    • Climate Action: Implementing projects and policies aimed at reducing the campus’s carbon footprint and promoting climate resilience.

5.  Sustainable Food and Dining

    • Sustainable Dining: Partnering with local farms and producers to supply our dining halls with fresh, sustainable food and expanding vegetarian and vegan menu options.

Engagement Events

1.🌱 Sustainability Programs and Leadership

Empowering Students. Driving Change.

The Office of Sustainability at UMW is proud to offer students meaningful opportunities to grow as sustainability leaders on campus and beyond. Through internships, leadership programs, and hands-on initiatives, students can actively shape a greener future while building valuable skills for their careers.

💼 UMW Sustainability Internship

Turn your passion for the planet into real-world impact.

The UMW Sustainability Internship program offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in sustainability through active participation in campus-wide projects. Interns work collaboratively with the Office of Sustainability to support environmental initiatives, engage the campus community, and promote sustainable practices.

🌟 Internship Highlights

  • Project-Based Learning – Interns lead and support initiatives related to waste reduction, energy conservation, sustainable transportation, composting, environmental education, and more.

  • Leadership Development – Interns build leadership and communication skills by organizing events, managing outreach campaigns, and working with campus partners.

  • Professional Growth – Interns gain exposure to real-world sustainability practices, contribute to university goals, and prepare for careers in sustainability, policy, education, and related fields.

  • Community Engagement – Interns serve as sustainability ambassadors, helping to inspire peers and foster a culture of environmental responsibility across campus.

📝 How to Apply

Internships are available each semester and are open to undergraduate students from all majors. Application details, deadlines, and position descriptions can be found at Handshake

💬 Hear From Our Interns

“The UMW Sustainability Internship helped me connect my coursework to action. I felt like I was making a real difference on campus while developing skills I’ll use for life.”
— Former Intern, Class of 2024

Ready to lead? Ready to learn? Join the next cohort of UMW Sustainability Interns and help make change happen.

For questions or more information, email sustainability@umw.edu or visit [Hamlet house on College avenue.

    • UMW Staff/Faculty/Student Environmental Leadership Awards: Recognizing individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to sustainability.

2.  Events and Campaigns         

                                                                                                        

    • 🌎 Earth Month & Earth Week

      Celebrate. Learn. Act.

      Join us throughout Earth Month and during Earth Week for a dynamic lineup of events, workshops, and activities dedicated to environmental awareness and action. This is your opportunity to engage with sustainability on campus, learn from experts, and take meaningful steps toward a greener future.

      Whether you’re passionate about climate change, interested in sustainable living, or just looking to get involved—there’s something for everyone!

      🌿 What to Expect

      🗓️ Events & Activities Include:

      • Eagle Earth Fest – Our signature celebration featuring local vendors, student orgs, sustainability games, music, food, and eco-themed giveaways.

      • Campus Clean-Up Day – Join fellow students to beautify our green spaces and reduce litter.

      • DIY Workshops – From zero-waste kits to upcycled crafts, learn sustainable skills you can take with you.

      • Clothing Swap – Refresh your wardrobe sustainably and donate what you no longer need.

      • Composting Demos – Discover how composting works and how you can get started.

      • Environmental Leadership Awards – Celebrate the individuals and teams making a difference on campus.

      • Sustainable Art Showcase – View creative works made from recycled and natural materials submitted by UMW students.

      📍 How to Join

      All events are open to students, faculty, and staff—many are free and no registration is required. Check our full schedule at [insert link] or follow @UMWSustainability for the latest updates.

      💡 Why It Matters

      Earth Month is more than a celebration—it’s a call to action. Through shared learning, campus-wide engagement, and a little fun, we’re building a stronger, greener UMW.

      Let’s make every action count. Let’s make everyday Earth Day. 💚

      . 
    • Green Careers Panel: Hosting panels to discuss sustainability-focused career paths and connect students with professionals in the field.

    • 3.🌿 Eagle Eco Exit

      Leave Green. Give Back. Celebrate Sustainability.

      As the academic year comes to a close, Eagle Eco Exit offers students a meaningful way to give back while moving out. This campus-wide initiative supports sustainability by reducing waste, encouraging donation, and helping fellow Eagles.

      Whether you’re graduating or heading home for the summer, you can make a difference by donating gently used items instead of tossing them. Your contributions help local organizations and promote a circular campus economy.

      ♻️ What Can You Donate?

      Clothes, shoes, linens, kitchenware, school supplies, unopened hygiene products, small appliances, décor, non-perishable food, and more!

      Please make sure all items are clean and usable.

      🗑️ Bin Locations

      Look for the clearly marked Eagle Eco Exit bins at the following locations:

      • Eagle Landing – 1st floor lobby (4 bins)

      • Arrington Hall – 2nd floor accessible entrance (1 bin)

      • Virginia Hall – 1st floor, fountain-side stairwell (1 bin)

      • Willard Hall – 1st floor, fountain-side stairwell (1 bin)

      • Ball Hall – 1st floor lobby (1 bin)

      • Mason Hall – 3rd floor lobby (1 bin)

      • Randolph Hall – 3rd floor lobby (1 bin)

      • Jefferson Hall – Basement (1 bin)

      • UMW Apartments

        • Building 1 – 1st floor laundry room (1 bin)

        • Building 2 – 1st floor laundry room (1 bin)

        • Building 4 – 1st floor laundry room (1 bin)

        • Building 9 – 1st floor lobby (1 bin)

      📅 When to Donate

      Bins will be available during finals week and throughout move-out—watch for signs in your residence hall or check @UMWSustainability for updates.

      🎉 Celebrate Sustainability

      Join us in turning move-out into a movement. By participating in Eagle Eco Exit, you’re helping reduce landfill waste, supporting local communities, and promoting sustainable habits that last a lifetime.

      Let’s end the year with purpose—leave green and leave your mark! 💚

               3.  Competitions and Challenges

4.Environmental Leadership Awards

Honoring Changemakers. Inspiring Action.

The Environmental Leadership Awards recognize and celebrate students, faculty, staff, and campus groups who go above and beyond in advancing sustainability at the University of Mary Washington.

From everyday actions to innovative programs, these awards highlight those who lead by example and inspire our campus community to care for people and the planet.

🌟 Award Categories

We honor contributions across a variety of areas, including but not limited to:

  • Student Leadership in Sustainability
    For a student who has shown exceptional commitment to sustainability through activism, project leadership, or community engagement.

  • Faculty or Staff Sustainability Champion
    For a faculty or staff member who integrates sustainability into their teaching, research, operations, or mentorship.

  • Green Group or Organization Award
    For a student club or campus organization that demonstrates impact through sustainable events, education, or initiatives.

  • Innovative Project Award
    For a project that brings a creative or unique approach to solving environmental challenges on campus.

🌱 Why It Matters

Sustainability at UMW is a community effort—and these awards celebrate those who are making a lasting difference. Honorees help us build a stronger culture of environmental responsibility and climate action.

📅 Nominate a Leader

Nominations for the 2025 Environmental Leadership Awards will open during Earth Week.
Anyone in the UMW community can submit a nomination.

Stay tuned for the official nomination form and deadline.

For questions or additional information, please contact:
📩 sustainability@umw.edu

Let’s recognize those who lead with purpose—and build a more sustainable UMW, together. 💚

Watch this space!

 

Sustainability

Helpful Links

EcoRep Form
Tree Campus USA
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