PBSL Photo Gallery
Members of the 2018-19 PBSL at team at their orientation
Planet Blue Student Leaders visit classrooms to talk about sustainability and the implementation of new campus programs.
The coffee served in our dining halls is organic, free trade and locally roasted. Here, PBSLs visit the local roaster to learn about the process.
PBSLs promote the annual Kill-a-Watt energy-saving competition in the residence halls each fall.
As a group project, PBSLs put on a “skill-share” festival where any Housing students could come learn sustainable-living skills before leaving to live off-campus.
To better understand waste and recycling behaviors of students living the halls, PBSLs don haz-mat suits and sort through Markley’s trash – identifying items that could have been recycled or donated for re-use.
PBSLs helped advocate for water bottle refill stations found across Housing.
PBSLs work in small groups to discuss sustainability issues and work on plans to improve sustainability in their halls.
Planet Blue Student Leaders (PBSLs) are part-time employees of Student Life who act as peer educators to promote sustainable living behaviors and work in small teams to implement year-long projects that support campus sustainability goals. Throughout the year, PBSLs participate in weekly programs to develop leadership skills and build the capacity of diverse, interdisciplinary project teams.
Program Highlights
- Participate in hands-on learning about campus sustainability initiatives, organizational change, behavior change, sustainable leadership, and professional communication.
- Develop and implement a year-long initiative to promote a culture of sustainability on campus, working as a team.
- Organize cross-campus events, such as the WasteLESS Dinner, to engage the community in conversations around food access and food waste.
- Serve as the first introduction to sustainability at the University of Michigan for new students at the annual zero-waste Convocation Picnic.
- Visit locations such as the Net Zero Home in Ann Arbor, Eastern Market in Detroit, Espresso Royale Roasters, and nearby universities to learn about sustainability in different environments.
- Conduct in-person training to certify Student Life staff and peers in composting best practices.
- Attend a team building program in the fall to explore leadership and communication among the new PBSL team.