UNO Earth Week 2014

Omaha – Tree planting, free bike repair and electronics recycling are just some of the sustainability-focused activities that students, faculty and staff at the University of Nebraska at Omaha will be participating in during this year’s UNO Earth Week.

As one of the campus’ five key strategic priority areas, UNO is spending a full week raising awareness for sustainability efforts on campus.

Beginning on Saturday, April 19, UNO and three other UNO-based organizations will join dozens of other organizations at Elmwood Park for Earth Day Omaha.

Representatives from UNO will be handing out seeds to the public from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. while tables representing UNO’s Division of Continuing Studies, UNO Green Basis and UNO Engineers Without Borders will also be in attendance to discuss issues of sustainability.

On Earth Day, Tuesday April 22, the UNO’s student programing organization, Maverick Productions, will be handing out free potted plants in the Milo Bail Student Center plaza from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will also be a informational session on UNO’s two Zipcars, which are part of a national car-sharing service designed to reduce fuel emissions.

Tuesday, April 22, also marks UNO's Sustainability Launchpad, an invite-only forum for members of the community to discuss the issues facing the energy industry and how individuals within the community can make a difference in our futures. The event, which is sponsored by UNO's Center for Urban Sustainability and Maverick Innovations, will be held at the Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center beginning at 10:30 a.m. with doors opening at 9:30 a.m.

On Wednesday, April 23, UNO’s Student Government will provide free sunglasses for anyone who needs a pair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Milo Bail Student Center plaza.

Also in the plaza from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. will be UNO Bikes, who will provide free basic bike maintenance including putting air in tires and adjusting brakes.

Thursday, April 24, will feature a recycling drive for any of your used and broken electronics. Anyone who needs to properly dispose of their unneeded devices – anything with a cord or battery – can take them to the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Building’s parking lot from 3 – 6 p.m.

Finally, on Friday, April 25, members of UNO Student Government will continue what is now an annual tradition and plant a Red Maple tree as part of UNO’s commitment to being a Tree Campus USA. The planting will take place at 11 a.m. just to the north of the Peter Kiewit Institute.

UNO Student Government will be joined in tree planting by members of the City of Omaha, who will also be planting a tree nearby the Peter Kiewit Institute at the same time.

During each day of Earth Week, the Milo Bail Student Center will offer the opportunity for people with refillable coffee mugs or cups to refill them for the price of one size smaller.

UNO’s sustainability efforts won’t end after Earth Week either. Throughout the year, UNO offers access to sustainable transportation options including Zipcar, MavRide, and B-Cycle and has the first LEED Gold certified building in the University of Nebraska system.

UNO also recently launched the Center for Urban Sustainability, a coalition of campus and community partners designed to provide support and curriculum options dedicated to sustainable-focused careers.

For more information about UNO Earth Week or any of the university’s sustainability efforts, please contact Charley Reed, UNO media relations coordinator, at 402.554.2129 or unonews@unomaha.edu.

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha


Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

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