All News

  Trash to Treasure sales on campus provide an alternative to expensive clothing and fast fashion: thrifting.

UT Farm Stand's Jester Garden is now home to 20 new Lettuce Grow towers that have already produced 200 pounds of fresh greens for University Housing and Dining meals.

This Fall, become a Zero Waste Hero through a certification program run by UT Austin staff.

UT Austin unveils a new framework plan for Waller Creek.

Single-use is now part of the lexicon, but the amount of trash created by cups, water bottles, plastic bags, straws and other items that are not reused is becoming unsustainable.

In the last decade, the number of electric carts on campus has increased by almost 300%, shifting the UT fleet away from reliance on large gas-powered trucks to more nimble vehicles that haul everything from people to ladders and plants. This change—combined with other infrastructure improvements to campus—is both reducing UT Austin’s carbon emissions and saving money because of lower maintenance and operating costs.

UT Austin collected 2200 tons of recycling last year and recently received assurances from the local recycler that the material is not being piled or landfilled. Still, we all need to Recycle Right because nine percent of our current trash is actually recyclables while up to a fifth of recycling is actually trash and could result in fines for the university.

The Office of Sustainability is pleased to announce the 2019-20 Green Fund grants. A committee of three faculty-staff and six students reviewed 28 projects, ultimately funding 17 for a total amount just over $300,000. 

​The campus has shown growing support for zero waste this spring semester, from a presentation by Resource Recovery to Staff Council to supportive legislation passed by the Graduate Student Assembly and other matters.

As UT Austin commemorates the lasting impact of President Bill Powers on many corners of the campus, the Office of Sustainability would also like to celebrate how he established an enduring presence for sustainability.