The Response to the Cry of the Earth is a call to protect our common home for the wellbeing of all, as we equitably address the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and ecological sustainability. Actions could include the adoption of renewable energies and energy sufficiency measures, achieving carbon neutrality, protecting biodiversity, promoting sustainable agriculture, and guaranteeing access to clean water for all.
Current initiatives at St. Kate's that support this goal include:
Native Landscape Restoration & Management Plan - This multi-year restoration and management plan is being developed to heal and support the southern woodland for the future, create a thriving native plant and tree community, mitigate invasive species, gain compliance for restoration efforts, foster stewardship of natural resources, increase campus landscape teaching and research opportunities and enhance campus experience. St Catherine University sits on a shallow ground water table and a line of springs that feed the Dew Drop and wetland areas of campus. Our restoration targets include improved spring and storm water management, prairie / oak savanna outdoor classroom space, mesic hardwood woodlands, pollinator gardens & trees, nationally protected wetlands, and walking pathways for our entire community.
Tree Inventory & Management Plan - St Catherine University partners with SavATree to use GIS and GPS technologies to map our existing tree inventory which is available on the web. Our current tree inventory captures the location; species; diameter; condition; specific defects observed (structural, insect, disease and health defects); recommendations for treatment; and priority of these recommendations. From this inventory we create an annual plan of care for the trees. We are currently working to increase tree species diversity by slowing removing monocultures and adding new species each year. In 2023 we will have our first Arbor Day event on the campus for the community and are hopeful to receive the honorary designation of "Tree Campus" by the Arbor Day Foundation next year based upon this work.
Tracking waste stream management in partnership with Aspen Waste. Our waste streams are monitored monthly through reporting on the amount of compost, recycling, and waste picked up each month. The Sustainability office monitors these reports to help manage the number of trips Aspen Waste comes to campus for pick ups, the size of the containers to maximize efficiciencies, and tracks progress on trash diversion to recycling and composting.
Tracking office paper recycling in partneship with Shred Right. Our office paper recycling is monitored to help keep paper out of the trash waste stream. Shred Right sends monthly reports to help give insight to the amount of paper that is able to be recycled vs. going in to the trash.
Reduction of inefficient laser jet and ink jet printers on campus. Shared community multi-function devices have replaced less efficient printers and copiers. Multi-function devices use less ink, less energy, and provide waste. The amount of printers and copiers have been reduced by 65% over the last 5 years.