Environment, Society and Sustainability
The latest issue of Framingham State Magazine includes a feature story on the teaching of the Climate Crisis within the Department of Environment, Society & Sustainability.
You can check out the article here:
Prioritizing Climate Change Knowledge and Agency
As the Planet Gets Warmer, Educators at FSU Aim to Build Students’ Understanding of Global Warming in Ways That Inspire Them to Take Action
Dining Done Right
Food Service Provider Sodexo operates Framingham State University's Dining Services on campus. One of the reasons FSU partnered with Sodexo is the company's commitment to sustainable dining practices. These efforts include:
- Responsible sourcing of sustainable seafood, cage free chicken and eggs, local produce and fair trade.
- Composting of food waste that is unavoidable, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions and can also be used to amend soil thereby increasing drought tolerance, improving soil structure and health and reducing need for water and fertilizers.
- 100% recycled paper napkins in XprssNap Dispensers to encourage guests to take few napkins; Reusable dishware; Trayless Dining; Green certified cleaning supplies; Bulk condiments; Energy Star appliances and much more!
For more information about these efforts, visit: http://framingham.sodexomyway.com/en-us/explore/sustainability
McAuliffe Center Focuses on Climate Education
Framingham State University's McAuliffe Center was created in 1994 as a way to honor FSU’s beloved alumna Christa Corrigan McAuliffe ‘70, the First Teacher in Space, who died in the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger accident. It recently underwent an $8 million renovation and includes a Challenger Learning Center – a fully immersive learning environment where thousands of students of all ages engage in simulated space mission each year – a Planetarium, a VR Simulation Lab, and other multi-function spaces.
“Particular emphasis on our new space is placed on climate education and training the workforce necessary for the development of innovative green technologies that improve environmental protection, and contribute to the Commonwealth’s goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050," says McAuliffe Center Director Dr. Irene Porro.
Dr. Vandana Singh is a national voice on combatting the Climate Crisis
Professor Singh, who teaches in the Environment, Society and Sustainability Department, is one of four Global Climate Imagination Fellows and teachers a justice-centered, transdisciplinary conceptualization of the climate crisis.
Meet our Campus Sustainability Coordinator Dr. Megan Mayer
Additional Initiatives
The Green Initiative Student Club
The mission of the club is to raise awareness about the effects of climate change on our world and encourage students to get involved in making our futures as bright as possible. We commit to making sustainable choices both on and off-campus.
The Climate Justice Teach-In
Each spring, dozens of faculty across different disciplines take part in a one-week Climate Justice Teach-In by dedicating their courses to topics that relate to different aspects of climate justice.
Framingham State Earth Week
Framingham State celebrates Earth Week annually by coordinating several community events, including a community clean-up, trivia, and the Earth Day Festival.
Climate Action Plan
The University's sustainability initiatives are guided by a Climate Action Plan, which is updated regularly and details FSU's efforts to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
Textile Recycling Program
In spring of 2023, FSU began a textile recycling program in partnership with BayState Textiles. We have recycled almost 11,000 lbs of textiles in just one and a half years of the program.
Educational Signage
FSU has increased its educational signage to promote sustainable practices around campus – including the Choose Earth mural outside of O’Connor Hall and the food waste reduction mural in the Dining Commons.
Learn More
