Campus Composting
Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps, into a valuable fertilizer that can enrich soil and plants. Anything that grows decomposes eventually; composting speeds up the process by providing an ideal environment for bacteria, fungi, and other decomposing organisms to do their work. The benefits of composting include reducing the amount of waste going to landfills as well as decreasing the amount of methane released from organic matter decomposing.
Campus Nursery - Growing Over the Year
The Campus Nursery is a collaborative effort between SHINE and NMU Grounds & Facilities to grow native, nativar, and cultivated native species to use in future landscaping projects on campus. Beginning as a series of student-ideated Green Fund initiatives, the Nursery lives behind NMU’s Central Receiving area, reviving the site of a former tree nursery from decades ago. Since its grand opening celebration on October 1st, 2024, as a part of Northern’s 125th anniversary celebration, the space has transformed significantly!
Waste Audit
We want to reduce the amount of waste generated on campus, and waste audits help us understand what is in our waste stream. Audits help to identify potential improvements, waste reduction opportunities, and cost savings. Students who conducted NMU’s waste audit examined the content of dumpsters across campus and reported on the amount and makeup of waste generated by students, faculty, staff, and visitors.