Sustainability News

Living sustainably during the winter months can be a challenge. Most American households significantly increase their waste production over the holidays and use more energy to keep their homes warm.

According to WifiTalents, holiday waste “surged” 25% during Christmas in 2025.

“Just by nature, our society makes sustainability really pretty difficult,” Athens resident Loraine McCosker said. “But it can be done, and certainly a lot of people have been doing it for a long time.”

Using sustainable practices during the winter might be a challenge city residents are ready to tackle.

“I think it's really neat in Athens because we have a sort of local community that really highly values the environment and sustainability,” Sam Crowl, Athens City Council president and director of sustainability at Ohio University, said.  

Living sustainably during the winter months can be a challenge. Most American households significantly increase their waste production over the holidays and use more energy to keep their homes warm.

According to WifiTalents, holiday waste “surged” 25% during Christmas in 2025.

“Just by nature, our society makes sustainability really pretty difficult,” Athens resident Loraine McCosker said. “But it can be done, and certainly a lot of people have been doing it for a long time.”

Using sustainable practices during the winter might be a challenge city residents are ready to tackle.

“I think it's really neat in Athens because we have a sort of local community that really highly values the environment and sustainability,” Sam Crowl, Athens City Council president and director of sustainability at Ohio University, said.  

It was a privilege to attend the Sustainable Infrastructure Hub Seminar on Nov. 24, focusing on "Organic Waste Management Strategies that Generate Value for Campus and Community."

As a student working with the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service, it was inspiring to see how closely our school is tied to these critical regional sustainability efforts, especially since the event was moderated Dr. Sara Davis, the Sustainability Infrastructure Hub coordinator. The seminar, which featured a diverse panel of experts, hammered home a key idea of sustainability is much more than just taking out the trash, it’s about leadership, policy, and creating true value from waste, specifically focusing on organic waste (food, agriculture waste, and bio solids).

The discussion centered on how local partnerships are making Athens a leader in the state.

It was a privilege to attend the Sustainable Infrastructure Hub Seminar on Nov. 24, focusing on "Organic Waste Management Strategies that Generate Value for Campus and Community."

As a student working with the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service, it was inspiring to see how closely our school is tied to these critical regional sustainability efforts, especially since the event was moderated Dr. Sara Davis, the Sustainability Infrastructure Hub coordinator. The seminar, which featured a diverse panel of experts, hammered home a key idea of sustainability is much more than just taking out the trash, it’s about leadership, policy, and creating true value from waste, specifically focusing on organic waste (food, agriculture waste, and bio solids).

The discussion centered on how local partnerships are making Athens a leader in the state.

Bobcats are ready for Thanksgiving break, a five-day weekend filled with rest in preparation of finals week starting Dec. 8.

While some students make the journey home to celebrate with loved ones around the dinner table, others remain in town for the holiday.

For those staying in town, Ohio University is hosting a variety of celebrations, including community dinners and themed meals. Nov. 26, the Patton College of Education is hosting a Home Away From Home Holiday Meal in Patton Hall room 120 on 100 E. Union St. from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Registration ends at noon Nov. 21.

The Home Away From Home Meal provides 150 traditional and international meals for dine-in or take-out and accommodates those with dietary restrictions. Along with traditional Thanksgiving foods, the event includes vegetarian, halal and vegan options, such as a quinoa dish and vegan chocolate brownies. 

The Sustainable Thanksgiving Dinner invites all Bobcats to enjoy a vegan and vegetarian potluck Nov. 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., hosted by the Office of Sustainability. Students are encouraged to bring a dish and share a recipe, though bringing food is not required. 

Bobcats are ready for Thanksgiving break, a five-day weekend filled with rest in preparation of finals week starting Dec. 8.

While some students make the journey home to celebrate with loved ones around the dinner table, others remain in town for the holiday.

For those staying in town, Ohio University is hosting a variety of celebrations, including community dinners and themed meals. Nov. 26, the Patton College of Education is hosting a Home Away From Home Holiday Meal in Patton Hall room 120 on 100 E. Union St. from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Registration ends at noon Nov. 21.

The Home Away From Home Meal provides 150 traditional and international meals for dine-in or take-out and accommodates those with dietary restrictions. Along with traditional Thanksgiving foods, the event includes vegetarian, halal and vegan options, such as a quinoa dish and vegan chocolate brownies. 

The Sustainable Thanksgiving Dinner invites all Bobcats to enjoy a vegan and vegetarian potluck Nov. 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., hosted by the Office of Sustainability. Students are encouraged to bring a dish and share a recipe, though bringing food is not required. 

At Ohio University, bicycling is a sustainable means of commuting to and from campus and across Athens. Whether cyclists are riding in the bike lanes uptown, passing through one of the picturesque residence hall greens(opens in a new window) or pedaling down the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway(opens in a new window), using a bicycle for transportation is cheaper, better for the environment and healthier than using an automobile.

The League of American Bicyclists(opens in a new window), the premier grassroots advocacy organization encouraging better bicycling and protecting the rights of people who bike, has honored Ohio University with a silver-level Bicycle Friendly University award(opens in a new window) in recognition of OHIO’s continued achievements in promoting and enabling safe, accessible bicycling on campus.

At Ohio University, bicycling is a sustainable means of commuting to and from campus and across Athens. Whether cyclists are riding in the bike lanes uptown, passing through one of the picturesque residence hall greens(opens in a new window) or pedaling down the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway(opens in a new window), using a bicycle for transportation is cheaper, better for the environment and healthier than using an automobile.

The League of American Bicyclists(opens in a new window), the premier grassroots advocacy organization encouraging better bicycling and protecting the rights of people who bike, has honored Ohio University with a silver-level Bicycle Friendly University award(opens in a new window) in recognition of OHIO’s continued achievements in promoting and enabling safe, accessible bicycling on campus.

For nine years, Ohio University has been recognized as a “Tree Campus USA,” a national recognition program by the Arbor Day Foundation that seeks to support colleges and universities in planting and celebrating trees.

This award may come as no surprise, for the cherry blossom trees along the Hocking River always bring crowds excited to take pictures of the spring blossoms.

However, the main draw for Bobcats and locals is the trees on College Green. In the winter, the barren trees lay in a stark landscape against grey, snowy skies. In the fall, they glimmer with oranges and yellows, leaving crushed brown leaves underfoot. 

For nine years, Ohio University has been recognized as a “Tree Campus USA,” a national recognition program by the Arbor Day Foundation that seeks to support colleges and universities in planting and celebrating trees.

This award may come as no surprise, for the cherry blossom trees along the Hocking River always bring crowds excited to take pictures of the spring blossoms.

However, the main draw for Bobcats and locals is the trees on College Green. In the winter, the barren trees lay in a stark landscape against grey, snowy skies. In the fall, they glimmer with oranges and yellows, leaving crushed brown leaves underfoot. 

The city of Athens is leading a project to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030. In February 2020, the Athens City Council passed a resolution that declared a climate emergency and expressed the city’s intention of limiting carbon emissions and becoming more energy conscious.

Since passing the initiative, Athens has made many steps to increase solar energy usage. The city established a 2.1 megawatt solar array next to the Athens Community Center, powering 100% of the swimming pool, 50% of ​​the wastewater treatment plant and a large portion of the community center itself.

Athens City Mayor Steve Patterson said the city uses solar power at the Athens Armory, and both solar and geothermal energy at the Athens Fire Department Station on East Stimson Avenue. The city was able to implement geothermal energy at the fire station by utilizing the heat from the Earth, due to its location on the Hocking River.

The city of Athens is leading a project to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030. In February 2020, the Athens City Council passed a resolution that declared a climate emergency and expressed the city’s intention of limiting carbon emissions and becoming more energy conscious.

Since passing the initiative, Athens has made many steps to increase solar energy usage. The city established a 2.1 megawatt solar array next to the Athens Community Center, powering 100% of the swimming pool, 50% of ​​the wastewater treatment plant and a large portion of the community center itself.

Athens City Mayor Steve Patterson said the city uses solar power at the Athens Armory, and both solar and geothermal energy at the Athens Fire Department Station on East Stimson Avenue. The city was able to implement geothermal energy at the fire station by utilizing the heat from the Earth, due to its location on the Hocking River.

When Collin Thacker began studying wildlife biology, he never expected to fall in love with a tiny, often overlooked flower. Now, in his senior year, Thacker has helped identify what may be four entirely new species of violets in the mountains of Virginia, two of them in the heart of Shenandoah National Park.

The discovery is the result of months of meticulous fieldwork, research and mentorship under OHIO professor Harvey Ballard, Ph.D., whose enthusiasm for violets sparked Thacker’s unexpected botanical journey.

“Dr. Ballard and his infinite passion for violets is just incredibly contagious,” Thacker said. “When I began my time with Dr. Ballard, I couldn’t pick out a violet in a field full of them. But he was so knowledgeable and helpful that I found it pretty easy to catch on.”

Thacker’s work has focused on the collection, observation and cultivation of violet species in the wild. As part of his research, he has spent countless hours identifying subtle morphological differences, or traits, that might otherwise go unnoticed.

When Collin Thacker began studying wildlife biology, he never expected to fall in love with a tiny, often overlooked flower. Now, in his senior year, Thacker has helped identify what may be four entirely new species of violets in the mountains of Virginia, two of them in the heart of Shenandoah National Park.

The discovery is the result of months of meticulous fieldwork, research and mentorship under OHIO professor Harvey Ballard, Ph.D., whose enthusiasm for violets sparked Thacker’s unexpected botanical journey.

“Dr. Ballard and his infinite passion for violets is just incredibly contagious,” Thacker said. “When I began my time with Dr. Ballard, I couldn’t pick out a violet in a field full of them. But he was so knowledgeable and helpful that I found it pretty easy to catch on.”

Thacker’s work has focused on the collection, observation and cultivation of violet species in the wild. As part of his research, he has spent countless hours identifying subtle morphological differences, or traits, that might otherwise go unnoticed.

After she graduated from Ohio University in May 2025, Helena Karlstrom had a busy summer.

Her summer wasn’t filled with job interviews or an internship, though, instead, she spent it in the wilds of Northern Minnesota and Canada. The Honors Tutorial College and Environmental Studies major—and Voinovich Undergraduate Research Scholar—joined three friends in an all-female crew, dubbed the Hudson Bay Girls(opens in a new window), for an epic 1,200-mile canoe trip to highlight stewardship of public lands and to inspire young girls to engage in paddle sports.

The entire trip took 85 days, starting at the Grand Portage near Lake Superior, through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA), one of the most remote nature areas in North America, then onto Lake Winnipeg before ending at the southern mouth of Hudson Bay in central Manitoba. The conditions were rugged, with volatile weather and whipping winds constantly dictating their daily route. They had to navigate through open water, canoeing through choppy waves and navigating rapids on certain rivers. And they did all of this while carrying 115-pound bags of gear.

After she graduated from Ohio University in May 2025, Helena Karlstrom had a busy summer.

Her summer wasn’t filled with job interviews or an internship, though, instead, she spent it in the wilds of Northern Minnesota and Canada. The Honors Tutorial College and Environmental Studies major—and Voinovich Undergraduate Research Scholar—joined three friends in an all-female crew, dubbed the Hudson Bay Girls(opens in a new window), for an epic 1,200-mile canoe trip to highlight stewardship of public lands and to inspire young girls to engage in paddle sports.

The entire trip took 85 days, starting at the Grand Portage near Lake Superior, through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA), one of the most remote nature areas in North America, then onto Lake Winnipeg before ending at the southern mouth of Hudson Bay in central Manitoba. The conditions were rugged, with volatile weather and whipping winds constantly dictating their daily route. They had to navigate through open water, canoeing through choppy waves and navigating rapids on certain rivers. And they did all of this while carrying 115-pound bags of gear.

A vast majority of the world’s plants depend on pollinators. Pollination is a crucial part of plant reproduction, and without pollinators, humans and all of earth’s terrestrial ecosystems would not survive, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service(opens in a new window).

Through sustainable management of campus grounds, Ohio University remains committed to protecting and providing environments for vital pollinator species. OHIO recently received the Bee Campus USA(opens in a new window) designation for a fourth straight year. Bee Campus USA provides a framework for university and college campus communities to work together to conserve native pollinators by increasing the abundance of native plants, providing nest sites and reducing the use of pesticides.

A vast majority of the world’s plants depend on pollinators. Pollination is a crucial part of plant reproduction, and without pollinators, humans and all of earth’s terrestrial ecosystems would not survive, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service(opens in a new window).

Through sustainable management of campus grounds, Ohio University remains committed to protecting and providing environments for vital pollinator species. OHIO recently received the Bee Campus USA(opens in a new window) designation for a fourth straight year. Bee Campus USA provides a framework for university and college campus communities to work together to conserve native pollinators by increasing the abundance of native plants, providing nest sites and reducing the use of pesticides.

What is composting

The EPA defines composting(opens in a new window) as the managed, aerobic (oxygen-required) biological decomposition of organic materials by microorganisms. Recent Ohio University Honors Tutorial College environmental studies(opens in a new window) graduate Catherine Galla views composting as a solution to combat waste created by humans anywhere throughout the food supply chain.

While official definitions for composting exist—like the one provided by EPA—Galla says generally there is an overall lack of terminology, language and vocabulary surrounding organic waste and composting. With fewer ways to discuss it, oftentimes there is a lack of awareness regarding composting and the sustainable disposal of biodegradable waste.

“I see composting as the act of physically taking organic waste and using it to a higher power in order to create a useful product out of human-caused waste,” said Galla. “I see waste as a social issue, something that humans have created for themselves, and I see composting as a really easy solution to get everyone from every walk of life involved in thinking more about their trash, because when we throw things away, it doesn’t just go away, there’s never an ‘away.’”

 

Graphic courtesy of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

In terms of what can be composted, Galla says it is important to look holistically at the entire supply chain, going beyond what didn’t get eaten at lunch or dinner. Opportunities for composting throughout the supply chain present themselves in different “phases” including, but not limited to:

• Harvest
• Transportation
• Consumption (food that goes bad at the grocery store)
• Preparation (discarding food scraps while cooking)
• Post-consumption (uneaten food)

“I see organic waste going all the way to beginning—harvesting something and its gone rotten, all the way to the grocery store with things that have been spoiled for whatever reason, things that have passed their expiration date at the grocery store.” Galla explained. “Then all the way up to the consumption phase, making soup and you have the ends of tomatoes or carrots that you won’t include in the soup that is compostable organic waste.”

How to compost

Composting is something just about anyone can do—it requires minimal effort, expense or expertise. The U.S. EPA suggests starting with an area that has good drainage and year-round access or utilizing a bin with holes in the bottom for drainage. This bin or area will serve as the receptacle for food scraps.

A basic backyard compost pile needs nitrogen-rich “greens,” such as fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and eggshells, as well as carbon-rich “browns” such as dry leaves, twigs and shredded paper. With a balanced amount of greens and browns the final product should have the desired soil-like consistency.

 

Composting is nature’s way of recycling. It is one of the most powerful actions to reduce trash, address climate change and build healthy soil, according to the EPA.

Galla believes that anyone with the means should consider composting at home.

“Composting gives people more agency over what happens when they choose to discard waste,” said Galla. “It’s also a basic climate mitigation strategy and a very easy way to bridge the gap in terms of connecting with the average person about what they can do to help and contribute to something larger than themselves and the waste that they produce.”

For a more detailed guide on how to compost at home, visit https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home.

Municipal composting and the future of waste diversion

Backyard composting can be a simple, viable solution to divert waste, but certain factors can make it impossible for some. Accessibility and visibility are two barriers that come to mind for Galla. Not everyone has access to land and outdoor space to start a compost pile and not everyone has been educated about the importance of waste mitigation, climate change and tools like composting that help create climate-resilient communities.

“Anyone can compost and divert their organic material, but what is the infrastructure surrounding people in their natural environment—like their houses, yard, apartment—that allow them to do it,” said Galla.

 

Graphic courtesy of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Municipal, or curbside, compost collection is a prime example of infrastructure that can be implemented to give everyone a chance to participate in waste diversion while also making climate resiliency something visible and tangible. Galla says that infrastructure like municipal compost collection increases access, compliance and ease and creates excitement about participation.

“[Infrastructure like municipal composting] doesn’t put the burden of the whole operation onto everyday people,” explained Galla. “It increases people’s overall access to being able to divert organic material from the landfill.”

Beyond compost collection at the municipal level, other organizations and nonprofits have begun offering similar services. Rust Belt Riders, a Cleveland-based worker-owned cooperative that was the subject of Galla’s thesis, collect organic waste residentially and commercially. Until municipal composting becomes more widely available, organizations like Rust Belt Riders are taking it upon themselves to build composting infrastructure.

Composting at OHIO

Every day the Ohio University Compost Facility(opens in a new window) processes more than five tons of food waste with the largest in-vessel composting system at any college or university in the nation(opens in a new window). Each ton of waste that OHIO processes is a ton diverted from landfills where it creates harmful methane emissions.

Beyond being good for the environment, the Ohio University Compost Facility also serves as an important educational model—spreading awareness of sustainable practices, allowing students to witness a circular process first-hand and providing them with a big-picture look at what’s possible in the realm of sustainability.

Each facet of the Ohio University Compost Facility was also designed with sustainability in mind. The facility produces renewable energy through solar panels, collects rainwater for cleaning and utilizes a waste oil burner for heat during the colder winter months.

 

Composting is a simple, cheap and effective way to reduce methane emissions and divert waste from landfills all while creating a nutrient-dense soil. The act of turning food scraps and other organic material into a useful product protects the environment, empowers people to think about the waste they produce and creates resilient communities.

Recent OHIO Honors Tutorial College environmental studies graduate Catherine Galla discusses composting accessibility and awareness.