October 2024
Call for 2025 ISS Presenter Proposals
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The Sustainability Practices and Research Center (SPARC) is gearing up for the 16th annual Intermountain Sustainability Summit (ISS), and once again is inviting speakers and artists to propose topics that regenerate our land, ecosystems and urban places.
This year’s theme, "Regeneration," encourages speakers and artists to share the methods and thought processes used in their fields to enhance sustainable practices. Whether you are artist, urban planner, architect, agronomist, sustainability director, creative problem-solver, energy manager, grant writer, or otherwise engaged in shaping a better future, you are invited to share how you are intentionally contributing to a healthy and resilient world.
Since 2010, the ISS has brought together sustainability professionals, emerging leaders and students to engage, connect and expand the network of Utah’s sustainability community across the Intermountain West and beyond. The ISS offers 2 days of engaging events featuring 35 or more speakers, and over 400 participants.
The speaker proposal guide is available to help you prepare your submission.
Weber State Votes - Your Voice Matters!
Weber State Votes is an initiative coordinated by the Olene S. Walker Institute of Politics and Public Service that seeks to register and prepare students to vote. Over the past decade, WSU has worked to increase voter engagement among our student population. October is a very important month for this work as October 25th is the last day to register in Utah and have a ballot mailed in time to vote. Eligible voters can also register and vote in person at designated polling places on the day of the election. The Weber State Votes effort seeks to make sure every eligible student is registered to vote, and to make sure every student feels like they can take part in this campus community, even if they are not eligible, by making civic opportunities available. Every Weber State University liaison is a part of our community and has a role to play in inviting the next generation of active and engaged citizens to keep the republic. These voter tools can help you be engaged to the best of your ability.
The Hypocrite - October Sustainability Film!
This month join SPARC for a screening of The Hypocrite, Noon-1:15 p.m. Thursday, October 31, at the Wildcat Theater, Shepherd Union Room 208. The film addresses imperfect advocacy in the world of snow sports and encourages the pursuit of balance in doing what one loves while working to reduce one's carbon footprint.
The half hour film will be followed by a Q&A session with the creator of the film, Amie Engerbretson, who is not only a filmmaker but also a professional skier, global adventurer, and climate advocate.
The film complements this month's WSU Green Badge theme of "Social Sustainability." The event is open to all and includes free popcorn!
Utah Clean Air
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Help inform Utah's future air quality programs. Take UCAIR's community awareness survey (5-10 minutes). As a thank you, you may be entered to win a $50 VISA gift card or an electric EGO leaf blower! (To find the survey in Spanish click here)
#CleanAir #Utah #UCAIR #Sustainability
WSU Sustainable Clubs
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Meet the new Environmental Ambassadors and Food Recovery Network club presidents:
Environmental Ambassadors:
My name is Abby Stratton! I am the Environmental Ambassadors president. I'm 19 years old and my major is International Business Economics. Some of my favorite things to do are writing, reading, drawing, exploring, and hiking.
Food Recovery Network:
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name is Bohdi Garner and I am the new Food Sustainability Coordinator. I’m a junior studying Environmental Science. I grew up in the Ogden area and have always loved it here. I like being outdoors when I can, but I also really enjoy sitting down and watching a good movie. I’m always listening to music and I like pretty much every genre. I can’t wait to start working for the school and meeting everyone in the sustainability community here on campus!
STAR Grant Recipients
SPARC is pleased to announce the approval of two new STAR grant awards and the continuation of one project supported by the STAR program.
Dr. John Cavitt (Zoology) will spearhead the "Bird-Safe Ogden" initiative, engaging local 7th and 8th graders in data collection on avian populations while fostering community support to reduce bird mortality in Ogden.
Dr. Randy Hurd (Mechanical Engineering) will collaborate with engineering students on research focusing on showering habits and their impact on water conservation.
Additionally, Dr. Sarah Grunnah (Theatre) has received ongoing support for her project, "MELT: Ice-based Performance in the Climate Crisis."
We are excited to contribute to the advancement of sustainability research and creative projects within our community.
Goddard School of Business and Economics Appoints New Sustainability Coordinator
Dr. Shane Schvaneveldt is serving as the inaugural Sustainability Coordinator for the Goddard School of Business & Economics (GSBE). In this role, he will co-create and support the GSBE’s societal impact strategy focused on sustainability, aligning with WSU’s strategic plans.
Dr. Schvaneveldt, a long-time professor of supply chain management, has extensive experience in sustainability. He developed Utah's first university course on sustainable business and has published seven peer-reviewed articles on sustainability and corporate social responsibility. His current research centers on water sustainability practices in Utah, aiming to establish a universal framework for water stewardship.
He has served on the Board of Directors for the Utah Pollution Prevention Association and the International Society of Sustainability Professionals, and has frequently presented at the WSU Intermountain Sustainability Summit. He was also a co-recipient of the Green Pioneer Award from Utah Business magazine.
With his expertise, Dr. Schvaneveldt is poised to enhance sustainability initiatives within the GSBE and strengthen its outreach across campus and the community, complementing the efforts of SPARC.
Green Badge Program Update
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Participate in the Green Badge Program and start earning your badges today! October’s Green Badge is “Social Sustainability” Learn ways to engage with and support the growth of a more sustainable community.
Thirteen people earned September's "Air Quality" Badge. Way to go!
Green Teams Update
Join a Green Team today! The Green Department Program is for faculty and staff to learn ways to make their departments or offices more sustainable. Green Teams work together to earn points and recognition by implementing change and taking actions outlined in a Green Team checklist. Version 4.0 will be coming soon!
Upcoming Events and Important Dates
Plan Ogden Workshop and Pizza Party
Provide input on three unique growth scenarios for Ogden City Planning.
Wednesday, October 23 at 5:30 p.m. - English speaking event, Union Station
Thursday, October 24 at 6:00 - Spanish speaking event, Main Library, Ogden
Plan-Ogden.com
Food Recoveries
Shepherd Union, Einstein Bros
Tuesdays and Thursdays
Noon –1:15 p.m.
Garden Club Meetings
Community Garden
Tuesdays
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
See Events Calendar
Sustainability Screening: The Hypocrite
Shepherd Union, Wildcat Theater
Thursday, October 31
Noon –1:15 p.m.
See Events Calendar
ONC's Wellness Through Nature Series
Ogden Nature Center
September – December
Learn more here
News & Resources
Incentive increase for toilets and smart irrigation controllers | Utah Division of Natural Resource
Utah’s Resorts Receive 1st snow of the season. What does that mean for this winter? | Deseret News
Utah town hopes renewable energy improves its fortune without changing its charm | KUER