Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
More people globally are expected to join the middle class over the next two decades. If we don’t act to change our consumption and production patterns to help counteract this increase, we will cause irreversible damage to our environment. There are many aspects of consumption that with simple changes can have a big impact on society including addressing issues related to food waste at both the retail and consumer level and high energy consumption in homes.
Infographic and Overview Why It Matters Things To Do The Eleven Targets
Sustainable Development Goals #12 explores our need to learn how to use and produce in sustainable ways that will reverse the harm that we have inflicted on the planet. At the University of Minnesota, we are committed to doing more and better with less. From food waste reduction programs across our campuses, to researching and developing the newest forms of sustainable energy, to advocating for more responsible retail practices, we are addressing the root causes of many of the issues our planet is currently facing.
RESEARCH AND EXPERTISE
OUTREACH AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Efforts to Improve Responsible Consumption and Production Across Campus
The Office of Sustainability’s Sustainable Campus Initiative is at the heart of its work. The University has done many activities to support the investment in our planet in the areas of energy, waste & materials management, water & grounds stewardship, and other projects. Not only does this work benefit the environment, it also supports our University community.
A few examples are highlighted below:
The UMN Twin Cities Recycling Program supports zero waste events by providing extra organics and recycling bins, coordinating waste disposal, and advising on waste-related decision making.
The Office of Sustainability has created a Sustainability Advocate program. This volunteer role calls on students to become sustainability experts and agents of sustainable change in partnership with the University of Minnesota Recycling Program and Office of Sustainability. Sustainability Advocates promote, inform, and educate peers on sustainable practices.
Starting in 2009, the Institute on the Environment opened its doors to more than 6,000 incoming University of Minnesota first year and transfer students by hosting the Sust Action Day. Students connect with student groups, University departments and partner community organizations working toward sustainable lifestyles, communities, and more.
Since 2012 the UMN Morris campus has worked with Sodexo, their dining service provider, to transition to biodegradable packaging and began to collect both serving items and leftover food scraps for cold-weather composting. Morris students developed their cold-weather composting program in partnership with Facilities Management, Sodexo staff, and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
UMD is committed to diverting campus waste from entering the landfill. Their waste reduction efforts include reducing, reusing, recycling, and composting.
Public Events Highlighting Responsible Consumption and Production
Since 1968, apparel design students at the University of Minnesota have presented their final projects in the annual Apparel Design Fashion Showcase. Dawn, the name of the 2023 showcase, featured 20 individuals highlighting their perspective on the future of design—often with an eye on sustainability. DAWN is a testament to resilience and commitment to evoking change.
The Sustainability Symposium showcases the diversity of student sustainability work at the University of Minnesota. The Sustainability Symposium presenters hone presentation skills by sharing their research, enhance their resumes and connect with individuals sharing an interest in sustainability.
Efforts to Improve Responsible Consumption and Production In the Community
The Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP) is a grant funded, confidential, environmental outreach and assistance program for businesses and organizations throughout Minnesota. MnTAP works to improve public health and the environment by preventing pollution at the source, optimizing use of resources, and reducing energy use and costs.
Check Out Their Annual Impact Reports
The Minnesota Aquatic Plastic Pollution Study is a joint University of Minnesota Duluth and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources effort related to studying plastic pollution. The study focuses on determining the amount, chemical composition, and morphology of microplastics found in the water column, sediment, and fishes of four Minnesota DNR Sentinel Lakes.
The Center for Sustainable Polymers (CPS) implements, facilitates, and fosters a wide range of educational and public outreach activities. Their faculty, researchers, and administrative team work diligently to engage and educate the public on the societal importance of sustainable polymers. From k-12 to postsecondary to informal science learning opportunities, the CSP provides programming that spreads the word about we can be both responsible consumer and producers.
The Sustainable & Green Chemistry Committee (SGC committee) strives to develop, promote, and foster a departmental culture of green and sustainable chemistry through integration into teaching, research, and community engagement. These initiatives will equip UMN students and researchers with the skills and mindset to be stewards in protecting the planet and to model the essential role of chemistry for a sustainable future.
As part of the Morris Model, the Morris Energy and Environmental Education Pathway is designed to highlight all of the ways Morris is a sustainable community. This includes traditional environmentally focused sustainability and social/economic sustainability too. From solar powered buildings and free EV chargers to cooperative ownership models and access to sustainable foods, Morris is truly a model sustainable community in West Central Minnesota.
The Minnesota Materials Exchange is a reuse platform operated out of the Twin Cities campus. It has been around since 1990, and operates to serve as a place for Minnesota businesses, industry, non-profits, and institutions to post items they no longer want, need, or use.
EDUCATION AND STUDENTS
UMN POLICIES AND ADMINISTRATION
Policy on Ethical Sourcing of Food Supplies
M Food Co. is committed to providing the best possible on-campus dining experience for our students, faculty, and staff. Among their sustainability initiatives are commitments related to sourcing sustainable seafood, increasing recycling, limiting food waste, and encouraging the use of compostable or reusable containers for food.
Policy on Disposal of Hazardous Waste
UMN Facilities Services' Hazardous Materials Program is responsible for the removal, transportation, segregation, consolidation and storage of potentially hazardous materials and chemicals in compliance with state and federal regulations.
Policies and Efforts to Measure and Reduce Waste Generated on Campus
In 2017, two University Senate Resolutions supporting campus-wide organics collection and improved waste recovery passed. These resolutions reflect the hard work and advocacy of students, staff, and faculty invested in the sustainability of UMN Twin Cities.
All students living in campus residencies are welcome to sign up for a free organics bin that they can use for the rest of the semester.
The UMN Twin Cities Recycling Program supports zero waste events by providing extra organics and recycling bins, coordinating waste disposal, and advising on waste-related decision making.
Gophers are continuously committing to reducing their plastic waste on and off campus with the Office of Sustainability’s Choose ReUse and WIN program!
Food vendors and caterers working on campus are encouraged to use compostable or reusable food service ware. Eliminating disposable service ware promotes the diversion of organics materials from the trash stream. In accordance with this resolution, M Food Co. and Sky Lakes Catering have swapped much of their disposable service ware with compostable alternatives.