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Recent research highlights the profound impact of diet on human health through the gut microbiota—the trillions of microbes living in our digestive system. A diverse microbiota is linked to better overall health, but Western diets high in meat and low in fiber reduce microbial diversity, favoring species that produce TMAO, a compound associated with cardiovascular disease. Fiber-rich, plant-based diets support beneficial microbes by producing short-chain fatty acids that maintain gut lining and prevent chronic inflammation. Beyond personal health, adopting a plant-based diet also benefits the planet by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation caused by livestock production. Overall, eating more fruits, vegetables, grains, and other fiber-rich foods nourishes both our microbiota and the environment, making conscious dietary choices a simple yet powerful way to improve health and sustainability.

The summer internship at Ģ����Ƶ’s garden offers hands-on experience with constantly changing tasks, from tending crops to adapting to weather conditions, while also providing opportunities to visit other local farms in Madison County. A trip to Common Thread Farm gave interns a firsthand look at the CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) model, helping harvest Swiss chard, radishes, zucchinis, and beets, and learning about the farm’s organized harvesting system using color-coded bins and rubber bands.

Geothermal energy harnesses the Earth’s natural heat to provide clean, renewable power and heating/cooling without the pollution of fossil fuels. It can be utilized in two main ways: geothermal power plants for electricity and geothermal heat pumps for heating, cooling, and hot water.

Recycling is widely promoted through the mantra “Reduce, reuse, recycle,” yet actual recycling rates remain low—34.3% nationally in 2013 and just 11.41% at Ģ����Ƶ during Recyclemania 2017.

Ģ����Ƶ’s Sustainability Office is offering a paid Garden Internship from mid/late August to early November 2017. The intern will help manage and promote the half-acre vegetable/herb garden and greenhouse, gaining hands-on experience in gardening, event coordination, and volunteer supervision. Responsibilities include soil preparation, planting, weeding, harvesting, organizing volunteer work parties, and helping run the weekly Farm Stand.

The Ģ����Ƶ Community Garden focuses on sustainable, organic farming practices to grow healthy crops without harmful chemicals. Instead of synthetic fertilizers, the garden uses vermicompost from Devine Gardens, a local worm farm, which enriches the soil with microorganisms and natural growth hormones. The garden team recently toured Devine Gardens to learn about the composting process, which uses worms to convert local farm and sawmill byproducts into nutrient-rich castings.

The Office of Sustainability is accepting applications for Green Raider Interns, a student program focused on promoting sustainability across campus. Interns gain leadership and professional skills while engaging peers in sustainable practices through community-based social marketing, social media, events, and campaigns. They also have opportunities to pursue personal sustainability initiatives, such as starting clubs or projects.

Many scented products—like perfumes, air fresheners, and detergents—contain synthetic fragrances made from petrochemicals, which can be harmful to health (allergic reactions, hormone disruption, organ damage) and the environment (air, water, and soil pollution). Companies often do not disclose the full ingredients because scents are trademarked.

Fast fashion, driven by trends like #OOTD (“Outfit of the Day”), produces clothing at an accelerated pace—up to 52 micro-seasons per year—making cheap, trendy clothing widely available.

The Ģ����Ƶ Community Garden’s summer growing season is underway, supported by local partnerships that help jumpstart planting. The garden receives a variety of starter plants—peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, cabbages, and more—from Hamilton Central High School and the Hamilton Food Cupboard.