January 2025
Weber State's Annual Free Swap
Are you looking to clean out your closets after the holiday season, or to pick up something new for the New Year? Join the Energy and Sustainability Office for on January 14th and 15th! There are two ways to participate: Bring your gently used items you would like to donate to Shepherd Union Ballroom A from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14th. The following day, Wednesday, January 15th from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., bring your reusable bag, and take home some great free items.
Whether you are donating items, picking them up or both, you are helping Weber State reach our Zero Waste goals. Last year the Free Swap re-homed 2,204 pounds of merchandise, preventing over a ton of waste from being sent to a landfill! Help reduce waste again this year by participating in this year’s event!
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Save the date for the Intermountain Sustainability Summit (ISS), an innovative gathering hosted by Weber State’s Sustainability Practices and Research Center (SPARC), uniting participants and presenters from education, business, government, and non-profit sectors. This two-day event is a focal point for sustainability professionals, educators, university students and emerging leaders from Utah and neighboring states. This year’s event theme Regeneration, moves us beyond solutions that do less harm, to those that do good for nature and humanity. Regeneration invites us to view the climate, biodiversity, human dignity, the economy and the built environment as an interconnected whole, and from this greater vantage point, to explore solutions.
The main day, Thursday, March 20, showcases the keynote speaker and over 35 presenters leading sessions. It also includes networking and information-sharing, as well as opportunities to meet innovators from sustainability-related businesses and organizations at the Eco Expo. Students contribute through the Student Poster Contest and emerging artists share sustainability-focused art. Friday, March 21, will offer customized, in-depth workshops.
The ISS community will be presenting the ISS Collaboration Award and the Regeneration Award at the summit. The ISS Collaboration Award focuses on cross sectional partnerships and collaborations across the Intermountain West, which are driving positive environmental change and building a sustainable future for all.
The ISS Regeneration Award seeks to honor projects and/or organizations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to regenerating environments, fostering a social equilibrium, and promoting long-term sustainability.
Nominations for awards can be submitted through Wednesday, February 5, and winners will be awarded at the event.
to stay in the know about the ISS speakers, keynotes, registration dates and more.
Student Poster Content
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Are you working on a class project or an internship that relates to sustainability?
Submit your sustainability-based student poster today!
All 91¶ÌÊÓƵ students and recent graduates are encouraged to submit their research or project posters related to sustainability for the 16th annual Intermountain Sustainability Summit (ISS). Topics include:
- Sustainability Research (Undergraduate or Graduate)
- Green Design
- Sustainability in Action
- Sustainability Education
- Sustainability in Creative Arts & Humanities
Submissions close on February 18, 2025.
To enter a poster or for more information, visit the ISS website.
Students whose posters are chosen to be displayed will receive free registration (for up to two co-authors) to the main day of the ISS events on Thursday, March 20, have the opportunity to network with professionals in the field, and be entered to win cash prizes.
Sustainability Leadership Scholarship
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Thanks to a charitable donor, 91¶ÌÊÓƵ students pursuing sustainability-related fields have the opportunity to receive an award to support their tuition and/or other educational expenses.
The Jeanne A. Evenden Sustainability Leadership Scholarship provides awards ranging from $1000 to $5000 for 1-5 students who have exhibited leadership in sustainability through a specific project, initiative and/or area of focus. This scholarship is available to both part-time and full-time undergraduate or graduate students! Materials to apply for this scholarship must be completed by February 28, 2025.
Earth Science and Society Seminar Series
Explore the fascinating crossroads of Earth sciences and societal issues in Dr. Carie Frantz’s Earth Science and Society Spring Seminar Series. Hosted by 91¶ÌÊÓƵ’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, this series will incorporate case studies, readings, presentations, and seminar-style discussions related to geologic hazards/disasters, natural resources, climate change, and applied geoscience careers. The January theme, "Climate and Environment: The Problems We Face," provides an in-depth exploration of our collective challenges, along with potential mitigation strategies and solutions.
These public lectures take place on Fridays from 12:30-1:30 pm in Tracy Hall Science Center, Room 211, followed by student workshops and discussions from 1.png)
:30-2:10 pm. Sessions for January include:
Series Introduction: Earth Science and Society
Friday, January 10
Climate change or climate emergency? Planetary boundaries, tipping points, tipping cascades, and why we have no more time to waste
Friday, January 17
Utah's changing climate: effects on people and the outdoor activities we love
Friday, January 24
Betting on the Climate: the economics and politics of climate change and climate policy
Friday, January 31
Students can earn credit by registering for GEO 4990 (SUS), CRN 35574 (2 credits).
January Sustainability Film: Common Ground
Join SPARC for this month’s film screening, Common Ground. This film profiles a hopeful and uplifting movement of White, Black, and Indigenous farmers who are using alternative “regenerative” sustainable models of agriculture that could balance the climate and help food sustainability in the United States.
Date/Time: Thursday, January 23, 12:00-1:15pm.
Location: Shepherd Union, Wildcat Theater (Room 208)
The 50-minute film will be followed by an interactive discussion about food sustainability.
The film complements this month’s 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Green Badge theme of “Food Sustainability.” The event is open to all and includes free popcorn! Bring a friend and enjoy.
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This semester, the Energy and Sustainability Office has collaborated with the Wildcat Advantage program to provide an opportunity for students to get paid to volunteer and learn more about sustainability on campus. One of the opportunities is Zero Waste Athletics, a volunteer event that helps educate fans about 91¶ÌÊÓƵ’s recycling and composting practices at football and basketball games. Last year, 91¶ÌÊÓƵ’s student volunteers, including many supported through the HIEE’s Pay program, helped recycle over 120 pounds of bottles and cans: that’s roughly 2,905 bottles/cans!
The introduction of the HIEE’s Pay program increased students who volunteered through classes. 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Zero Waste Coordinator, Alli Brown, helped volunteers learn the ropes, stay on task, and pilot a new composting program. A lot was learned during the football season that will be used to improve recycling and composting during the upcoming basketball season. All students are welcome to join the Zero Waste Athletics volunteering team for the basketball games taking place on several Saturdays, January 18 - February 22.
Dare to Repair: Students Turn “Trash” Into Treasure
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In the “Dare to Repair” class taught by Matt Gnagney and Taylor Foss, two standout final projects by students Parker Smith and Sara Poppleton showed how creative problem-solving and a little determination can breathe new life into broken items.
Smith took on the challenge of a broken refrigerator he found for free on KSL Classifieds. He brought it home, took it apart, and identified the problem: a faulty compressor. After fixing it, the fridge was as good as new. includes step-by-step photos, showcasing the entire repair process.
Poppleton had a broken white noise machine. The manufacturer agreed to provide a warranty for the product but, before doing so, asked her to send a photo of herself cutting the power cord in half to ensure it could no longer function. They also suggested she recycle the product at an e-waste facility. Instead, Poppleton repaired the cord, replaced a $2 heat fuse, and diagnosed the original issue. provides a thorough breakdown of troubleshooting steps, the repair process, and a cost comparison between repairing and buying new, along with photos. After some trial and error, she got the machine working perfectly again.
These projects highlight the importance of repair over replacement, reducing waste, and embracing sustainable practices. These students’ work is an inspiring reminder of how small efforts can make a big difference!
Green Badge Program Update
Participate in the Green Badge Program and start earning your badges today! January’s Green Badge is “Food Sustainability.” Learn how to reduce food waste, plan meals, and understand the impact one meal can make.
11 people earned December’s “Health & Wellness” Badge. Way to go!
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The Green Department Program is for faculty and staff to learn ways to make their departments or offices more sustainable. Green Teams work together to earn points and recognition by implementing change and taking actions outlined in a Green Team checklist. Version 4.0 will be coming Fall 2025!
Upcoming Events & Important Dates
Series Introduction: Earth Science and Society
Tracy Hall Science Center Room 211
Friday, January 10
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Learn more
Free Swap (Drop-Off Day)
Shepherd Union Ballroom A
Tuesday, January 14
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Free Swap (Pick-Up Day)
Shepherd Union Ballroom A
Wednesday, January 15
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Zero Waste Athletics Orientation
Stewart Library, Hetzel-Hoellein Room (LI-321)
Friday, January 17
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Green Badge Orientation
Stewart Library, Hetzel-Hoellein Room (LI-321)
Friday, January 17
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Earth Science & Society Seminar Series - The Climate Emergency
Tracy Hall Science Center Room 211
Friday, January 17
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Learn more
Hulet Round River Scholarship Application
Application Deadline: Friday, January 17The scholarship applications are available from Dr. John Mull (jmull@weber.edu) in the Department of Zoology
Wildcats Go Zero Waste- Basketball
Dee Events Center
Saturday, January 18
6:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Sustainability Screenings with SPARC: Common Ground
Wildcat Theatre, Shepherd Union (Room 208)
Thursday, January 23
12:00 – 1:15 p.m.
Earth Science & Society Seminar Series - Utah’s Changing Climate
Tracy Hall Science Center Room 211
Friday, January 24
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Learn more
Plant-Powered Food Tasting Event
Shepherd Union - Pillar Plaza
Tuesday, January 28
10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Learn More
Earth Science & Society Seminar Series - Betting on the Climate
Tracy Hall Science Center Room 211
Friday, January 31
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Learn more
ISS Collaboration and Regeneration Award Nominations
Nomination Deadline: Wednesday, February 5
Learn more
Sustainability Research Awards Application
Application Deadline: Tuesday, April 1
Student Research Awards or Faculty Research Awards
Community Input for Plan Ogden
Share your vision and ideas for Ogden's future
Visit to take the questionnaire regarding Ogden's General Plan for 2050