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Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

#UNC's dedication to campus efficiency, career exploration and faculty research shines through in our 2025 Annual Sustainability Report. As the hub for #sustainability, it sure does make us proud. From a new solar field to hurricane relief, it was a big year! sustainable.unc.edu/2025/10/2025...

sustainable.unc.edu

2025 Annual Sustainability Report - Sustainable Carolina

The UNC-Chapel Hill 2025 Annual Sustainability Report is here, in celebration of Campus Sustainability Month.

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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 15/09/2025

The 3rd annual Champion Sustainability Game celebrated sustainable transportation on + around UNC. @unc-ie.bsky.social @sustainable-unc.bsky.social Director @mpiehler.bsky.social joined Chancellor Roberts and Mayor Anderson for a half-time show convo! More: storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/daaf...

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Orange Water and Sewer Authority @owasa-nc.bsky.social · 11/09/2025

Yesterday, OWASA attended the UNC Sustainability Social hosted by @sustainable-unc.bsky.social. We talked to students and faculty about OWASA's sustainability initiatives, including: 💧Reclaimed Water System 💧Forest Management Program 💧Solar Energy

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Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · 11/09/2025

2025 Sustainability Social ✅ 19 University units, 12 student organizations, and 3 community groups gathered in the Student Union yesterday. It's so much fun to see this event grow every year! @unc-ie.bsky.social

UNC Institute for the Environment flag stands on the left, with the UNC IE table beside it, on the right. Three students talk to two people at the table.

Orange County Solid Waste's table has a green table cloth. Two people talk to a student that approached the table.

A representative from the NC Botanical Garden talks with a student during the Sustainability Social.

A faculty member talks with a staff member sitting at the Center for Public Engagement with Science table.

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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

NEXT WEEK! Come chat with us at @sustainable-unc.bsky.social's Sustainability Social, Wed., Sept. 10, 9 a.m. -12:30 p.m. at the Carolina Union! CLE credit available; 300 limited edition Champion Sustainability Football game posters, pastries and beverages! Details: heellife.unc.edu/event/11351848

Event poster with the words "Come see us at this year's Sustainability Social. Carolina Union, Great Hall, Wednesday, Sept. 10 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

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Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · 29/08/2025

It's almost here! The Champion Sustainability Football Game. A sold out stadium. A celebration of safe and efficient transportation 🚌 Our August newsletter covers all this and more 🏈🐏https://mailchi.mp/unc/august-2025

mailchi.mp

August Sustainability News

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Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

What would we do without Melanie Elliott?! Our fierce number cruncher and savvy relationship-builder 📈✌️

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Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · 21/08/2025

#NationalHoneyBeeDay! You know what that means 🐝 🍯 Time to reshare our #SustainableCarolinaPodcast episode with Nathan Halsey, president of the Carolina Beekeeping Club and CEO of Halsey's Hives.

open.spotify.com

Nathan Halsey | Cultivating a Beekeeping Business

The Sustainable Carolina Podcast · Episode

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Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · 25/07/2025

Great work out of #UNC's Environment, Ecology and Energy Program looks not just at the major flood events, but the smaller ones too. Even these events can be damaging and disruptive to families, said Assistant Professor Antonia Sebastian. @unc-emes.bsky.social uncnews.unc.edu/2025/07/14/u...

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Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · 24/07/2025

ICYMI: Last week, @unc-ie.bsky.social's @mpiehler.bsky.social shared insights on the potential impacts stemming from the 6.8 million gallons of untreated wastewater that spilled into the Eno following Tropical Depression Chantal.

newsobserver.com

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Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

We were lucky to have @annesmiley.bsky.social analyze data that our water quality intern gathered from our campus creeks. And we're so excited to share the beautiful graphs in an upcoming story. But for now, check our her Q&A with @unc-ie.bsky.social 👩‍🔬

ie.unc.edu

Five Questions with Anne Smiley '24 - UNC Institute for the Environment

Meet postdoctoral research associate Anne Smiley!

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Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · 22/07/2025

Our favorite part about kicking off a new school year and it's less than two months away 🎉 The Sustainability Social brings together #UNC units, student groups & community organizations. A wonderful chance to connect the sustainability dots across the University!

heellife.unc.edu

Sustainability Social

Discover unique opportunities at! Find and attend events, browse and join organizations, and showcase your involvement.

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Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · 21/07/2025

"Here, it felt like everyone – regardless of income or location – had access to the sun’s energy. I found myself wondering: What policies or financing mechanisms made this widespread access possible?" Our traveling interns latest installment is here!

sustainable.unc.edu

Germany’s Energy Transition: Lessons from Rooftops and Windmills - Sustainable Carolina

Nicky Coursey's third installment of her sustainable adventures in Germany.

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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

.@unc-ie.bsky.social Director @mpiehler.bsky.social weighs in on wastewater contamination during flooding events caused by Tropical Depression Chantal. Read more ⬇️ www.newsobserver.com/news/local/c...

newsobserver.com

Millions of gallons of sewage flowed into the Eno River. Is it harmful?

Experts weigh in on what risk the sewage overflows pose to the environment.

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Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · 24/06/2025

"It’s a regenerative, continuous cycle made possible by community members who care deeply." When she's not analyzing net zero pathways through her summer internship, Nicole Coursey has found herself spending time in Freiburg's community gardens. sustainable.unc.edu/2025/06/comp...

sustainable.unc.edu

Compost, Croissants and Community: A Taste of Freiburg - Sustainable Carolina

Story by Nicky Coursey, our summer 2025 traveling intern.

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Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

The Collegiate Sustainability Sports Conference is just one month away 🏈 🏑 Duke hosts this year, and welcomes students, sustainability and athletic representatives, along with anyone interested in the intersection of sports, sustainability and #HigherEd.

sustainableacc.com

Conference | ACC Sports Sustainability Team

Join the ACC Sports Sustainability Team for their annual conference or watch past conference recordings.

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Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

One of our Carolina Sustainability Council members, Julie Jacobson Vann, joins this virtual panel on reducing harmful plastics in healthcare! Tune in on June 20 at 1 pm ET! Register: medsocietiesforclimatehealth.org/event/reduci...

"Reducing Harmful Plastics in Healthcare: From Awareness to Action." June 20, 2025 at 1 - 2 pm. Featuring Julie Jacobson Vann, Bill Pevec and Yvonne Huckleberry.

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Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

It has been so exciting to revamp our lab sustainability program. And even more exciting to bring our first four labs on board via a pilot this past semester. We're seeking #UNC labs to participate this fall, and it's not exclusive to STEM labs. Join us!

sustainable.unc.edu

Sustainable Labs - Sustainable Carolina

Making Laboratory Studies Sustainable Sustainable Labs is the new name for Green Labs. Founded in 2009, this program retains its basic function as a sounding board for laboratory sustainability…

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Mike Piehler @mpiehler.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

I also rode the city bus to elementary school (77C Shady Side for yinz old folks), but I think it is clear that that sweet 70s hair got me on Mr. Rogers.

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Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

Not every university can say they have a tree doctor on campus, but we can! Tom Bythell's job is more than simply diagnosing trees; it's about creating a thriving, picturesque and inviting campus.

unc.edu

Get to know the trees on campus | UNC-Chapel Hill

University arborist Tom Bythell shares his favorite stories about some of Carolina’s thousands of trees.

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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

WATCH: W.R. Kenan Jr. Distinguished Professor Hans Paerl talks to Spectrum News about increased water quality concerns due to heavier rainfall from storms.

spectrumlocalnews.com

Heavier rainfall from hurricanes is causing water quality concerns at the coast

Poor water quality after a storm can have an affect on health.

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Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

Since he was just a kid growing up in Pittsburgh, @unc-ie.bsky.social‬ Director @mpiehler.bsky.social‬ has enjoyed #sustainable transportation 🚲 He may have even achieved fame on a certain children's television show!

ie.unc.edu

A champion for environment and sustainability, Piehler named Cary C. Boshamer Distinguished Professor - UNC Institute for the Environment

Piehler is a renowned leader in coastal environmental science.

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Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · 03/06/2025

Our campus water quality data repository is growing robust! We are looking for the next intern to nurture this campus stewardship project 💧 🌱 Our water quality and biodiversity internship is open to #UNC students. Apply by June 9. @unc-ie.bsky.social‬

sustainable.unc.edu

Student Internships - Sustainable Carolina

Sustainable Tar Heel Internship Program: How to Apply Applications are now open for fall 2025 and will close Monday, June 9 at 11:59 pm. We are currently offering one position: Water Quality &…

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coastalreview.org @coastalreview.bsky.social · 03/06/2025

A study by UNC Chapel Hill and NC State researchers published Monday found that coastal communities are inundated more often than previously believed, and floodwaters take longer to recede in rural areas than in urban areas. coastalreview.org/2025/06/coas...

coastalreview.org

Coastal areas flood more frequently than thought: Study | Coastal Review

Coastal communities are inundated more often than previously believed, with levels taking longer to recede in rural areas, and the way government agencies gather data to predict floods fails to provid...

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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 30/05/2025

From the blog: Student-powered and community-driven, SolarEquity is transforming affordable housing across North Carolina with rooftop solar—making clean energy accessible where it’s needed most. Read the full blog post by #UNC rising senior Macy Floyd ⬇️ environmentblog.web.unc.edu/2025/05/powe...

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Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · 23/05/2025

UNC Research is campus as a laboratory. Battle Grove, a stretch of green space in the middle of campus, serves as the perfect spot for citizen science work, research and water quality monitoring. 🔍🌱 Discover the impact: www.unc.edu/carolinas-re... #UNCResearchisNC #UNC #SustainableCarolina

Research opportunities abound at Battle Grove, a lush green spot in the center of campus.

Ever since Battle Branch Stream was brought out of its pipes beneath the ground in 2017, the space has teemed with wildlife.

That makes it the perfect place for UNC Biology Professor Allen Hurlbert’s ecological community studies and citizen science activities.

It also served as an excellent location for Martina Gonzalez Bertello’s ’23 graduate work on water quality and stream nutrient removal with the Piehler Lab.

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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

UNC Research is rooted in N.C. communities. When Hurricane Helene devastated communities in western North Carolina, @unc-ie.bsky.social mobilized educators to provide a day of hands-on learning for kids displaced by flooding. Explore more: www.unc.edu/carolinas-re... #UNCResearchisNC #UNC

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Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · 21/05/2025

UNC Research is creativity and intellect. It's an honor to present the Prize for Excellence in Sustainability Research at the #UNC Office for Undergraduate Research's Celebration of Undergraduate Research. Discover the impact: www.unc.edu/carolinas-re... #UNCResearchisNC #UNC #SustainableCarolina

For 26 years, the UNC Office for Undergraduate Research has hosted the Celebration of Undergraduate Research. For three years, UNC OUR has given hashtag#SustainableCarolina the opportunity to award outstanding research related to topics like energy, water, waste, air quality, biodiversity and more.

This year, Sustainable Carolina judged 27 posters for its Prize for Excellence in Sustainability Research. A group of first-year students took home first prize.

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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 20/05/2025

UNC Research is clean air and water for all. Researchers at @unc-ie.bsky.social are at the forefront of research that contributes to clean air and clean water for everyone. Learn how Carolina research serves N.C. and beyond. Visit: www.unc.edu/carolinas-re.... #UNCResearchisNC #UNC

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Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

UNC Research is excellence in sustainability. Working under the @unc-ie.bsky.social, #SustainableCarolina provides guidance to capstone courses, the Sustainable Triangle Field Site and campus labs. Discover the impact: www.unc.edu/carolinas-re... #UNCResearchisNC #UNC #SustainableCarolina

Five years ago, sustainability at Carolina found a new home in the UNC Institute for the Environment. Sustainable Carolina advances and amplifies efficiency initiatives in campus operations, research and academics.

In 2025, Sustainable Carolina reintroduced its lab sustainability program, piloting it in four labs on the medical side of campus. Any lab can become certified by taking on sustainability measures in their space.

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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

UNC Research is future-ready leaders. The @unc-ie.bsky.social helps provide students with the tools, experiences and opportunities to take the study and understanding of the environment to the next level. Discover the impact: www.unc.edu/carolinas-re... #UNCResearchisNC #UNC

A student in graduation robe stands in front of Carolina's Old Well.

Two students hold research tools in a river.

A student installs an audio recording device in nature.

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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 28/04/2025

UNC Research is fieldwork. In partnership with the @unccollege.bsky.social's Environment, Ecology and Energy Program and Study Abroad Office, @unc-ie.bsky.social hosts a network of field sites in North Carolina and abroad. Learn more about our fieldwork opportunities: ie.unc.edu/field-educat...

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Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

The Carolina Sustainability Council meets this morning. You can stream the spring meeting live or watch it later on the @unc-ie.bsky.social YouTube channel. @mpiehler.bsky.social www.youtube.com/live/YZmT4IA...

youtube.com

UNC Sustainability Council

YouTube video by UNC Institute for the Environment

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Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · 09/05/2025

It has been fun watching Sarah Dean's #UNC journey. “I’ve taken the idea of a liberal arts degree to the nth degree. I’ve studied across a breadth of subjects, and that feels true to me.” Congratulations to Sarah & all the #UNC25 grads 🎓

unc.edu

Environment, art shaped senior’s education | UNC-Chapel Hill

Environmental studies major Sarah Ellen Dean took classes in art and a dozen other subjects, volunteered and traveled.

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Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · 08/05/2025

54.8 million tires made their way to landfills in 2021. The chemical makeup of tires makes recycling tire rubber difficult. But researchers from the UNC Department of Chemistry are working on a novel way to break down tires via a two-step process. #UNCResearch

college.unc.edu

A Cleaner Future for Tires - College of Arts and Sciences

UNC scientists in the department of chemistry pioneered a chemical process to repurpose rubber waste.

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Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · 07/05/2025

Sustainable Carolina has been so very lucky to have Nicky Coursey as our communications intern this year! She's put in a ton of time and energy to expanding our presence on Instagram and engaging with students in the process 📸

sustainable.unc.edu

Q&A with Nicole Coursey ’26, winner of our 2025 Earth Day T-shirt contest - Sustainable Carolina

Nicole Coursey won Sustainable Carolina's third annual Earth Day t-shirt design contest. This year's theme was food sustainability.

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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 05/05/2025

📬 Our May e-news hit inboxes this morning! Read about Carolina hosting the Collegiate Drone Racing Championship, the 11th UNC Cleantech Summit, Carolina's research impact and more! Dive into all these stories at: go.unc.edu/May25News.

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Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · 05/05/2025

We are less than a month away from the official start of hurricane season. After Helene's devastation last year, the North Carolina Collaboratory is working to understand how to bolster communities to withstand future flooding. #UNCResearch

unc.edu

NC Collaboratory project builds resilience after hurricane | UNC-Chapel Hill

Assistant professor Antonia Sebastian describes her work in flood modeling and flood hazard research.

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Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

Deadline Extension! Graduate and undergraduate students have until May 16 to submit their research to the Appalachian State Energy Summit 🔬 🧪 The Summit, held June 4-6, is free to attend (and is a lot of fun). Application & more info: energy.appstate.edu/about/news-e...

energy.appstate.edu

Appalachian Energy Summit Student Poster Competition | Appalachian Energy Center | Appalachian State University

Appalachian Energy Center generates research and provides education and outreach services to prepare North Carolina’s communities for tomorrow’s clean energy economy.

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Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

A few years ago, our team went to the UNC Office of Undergraduate Research with an idea. An award for outstanding #sustainability research, given at the Annual Celebration of Undergraduate Research. We are thrilled to announce the winners of this year's prize 🏆

sustainable.unc.edu

First Year Seminar students win 2025 Prize for Excellence in Sustainability - Sustainable Carolina

Student research titled, Sky to Soil: Using Aerial Imagery to Track Chicken CAFO Waste, won this year's prize.

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Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

Classes are over and Earth Month is coming to an end. What a spring its been for sustainability on campus 🌸 @unc-ie.bsky.social @mpiehler.bsky.social Check out April's #SustainableCarolina newsletter: mailchi.mp/unc/april-25

mailchi.mp

April Sustainability News

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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 24/04/2025

🌿 Meet @sustainable-unc.bsky.social's dynamic communications and engagement specialist, Abigail Brewer '14, '19! With a background in biology and journalism, this double Tar Heel is passionate about science communication and the environment.

ie.unc.edu

Five Questions with Abigail Brewer '14, '19 - UNC Institute for the Environment

Meet Sustainable Carolina’s communications and engagement specialist Abigail Brewer!

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Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · 22/04/2025

For the first time ever, Noah Kittner didn't have to take his class off campus to visit a solar field. That's because #UNC is now home to its own 900-panel system ☀️ Learn how it's enriching students' studies. @uncfacilitiessvcs.bsky.social @unc-ie.bsky.social sustainable.unc.edu/2025/04/new-...

sustainable.unc.edu

New solar field provides opportunities for student enrichment - Sustainable Carolina

Energy modeling course students visited the former Horace Williams Airport to learn about the University's first ground-mounted solar field.

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Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · 21/04/2025

Happy #EarthWeek 🌎 We are kicking off our celebrations today with our Festival on the Green Roof. We are thrilled to partner with Carolina Dining Services this year to bring their farm stand to the event! Full list of events here: sustainable.unc.edu/events/earth...

Graphic with a background that looks like cardboard. The middle of the graphic reads, "Festival on the Green Roof + CDS Farm Stand." The top reads, "Monday, April 21 @ 3:30 - 6:30 pm, Chase Plaza."

Graphic with a cardboard background reads,"We're collecting reusable tote bags to donate to the Carolina Cupboard and Inter-Faith Council."

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Sustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

The BIG reveal! This year's student-designed #EarthDay t-shirt showcases sustainable food systems. We look forward to giving out a limited number of these shirts to our Festival on the Green Roof participants. 👕✨ We'll also have lunch bags with the same design! sustainable.unc.edu/2025/04/qa-w...

sustainable.unc.edu

Q&A with Nicole Coursey ’26, winner of our 2025 Earth Day T-shirt contest - Sustainable Carolina

Nicole Coursey won Sustainable Carolina's third annual Earth Day t-shirt design contest. This year's theme was food sustainability.

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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 14/04/2025

Discover how #UNC junior Grace Layman is fostering a vibrant ecology community through the SEEDS Program, promoting ecology, education, diversity and sustainability to other students. From research trips to building networks, she's helping students find their path! Read it here 🔽 go.unc.edu/Sd5z3

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UNC Institute for the Environment @unc-ie.bsky.social · 10/04/2025

Anna Boodee ('25) got her hands dirty at Highlands Field Site, studying wetlands and microplastics while exploring the great outdoors. Read more about her research and adventures ⬇️ ie.unc.edu/news/postcar...

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