Arkansas Union Launches Second Phase of Sustainability Initiatives

The Arkansas Union continues to work toward the campus-wide goals of carbon neutrality by 2040 and 90 percent waste diversion from the landfill. During this past fall semester, the Arkansas Union Sustainability Team introduced standardized recycling bins and composting throughout the building and hosted multiple environmental educational events. These resources, as well as previous volunteer opportunities, will still be operational this semester. In addition, the Sustainability Team is taking the following actions to launch the second phase of the program:

• Provide low-waste event consultation and waste diversion services to targeted events. 

• Establish a gardening and urban greenspace along the Arkansas Union building in partnership with the Office for Sustainability 

• Grow a social media presence with up-to-date information about the program and environmental educational facts 

• Launch the Union Sustainability Ambassadors Program 

• Host lectures focused on exploring green careers

If you would like to get involved with these projects, there are multiple volunteer opportunities to get involved with these projects. Sign up for them on the  Givepulse page. Volunteers will help collect food waste from the Union food court for composting, aid in diverting waste at select Union events, sort recycling and overall support our environmental education by tabling.

The Arkansas Union Sustainability Team has a new webpage that will be updated throughout the semester with new projects and data. For more information, please contact the Arkansas Union Sustainability Team at unionst@uark.edu.

About the Arkansas Union: As the living room of campus, the Arkansas Union offers an open and inclusive atmosphere for gathering, learning, and engaging in the campus community. The site of over 10,000 annual events and reservations, the Arkansas Union seeks to meet the ever-changing needs of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests by providing event services, facilities, and amenities. 

About the Division of Student Affairs: The Division of Student Affairs supports the whole student by cultivating transformative experiences and environments that promote student well-being, sense of community, and success. We prioritize student access, well-being, and belonging, post-graduation success, and building a strong organizational culture.