UWRF recognized for sustainability once more

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls has once again been recognised on the Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges. The ranking highlights schools’ commitment to sustainability through policies, practices, and preparation of students for green careers. This recognition not only acknowledges UWRF’s ongoing environmental initiatives, but also helps prospective students identify colleges that share their values and dedication to sustainability.

UWRF reports its sustainability initiatives through the STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System) program, a national framework that scores universities on academics, operations, and community engagement. Schools earn points in each category, and meeting certain thresholds qualifies them for recognition by the Princeton Review. The program ensures that UWRF’s sustainability achievements are transparent, measurable, and comparable to other colleges nationwide.

Vinny Lamantia, a field biology major with a conservation minor, recently shared his insights on UWRF’s sustainability efforts and his experience at the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) conference in Minneapolis. In the classroom, Lamantia focuses on plant and animal fieldwork, while his conservation minor allows him to explore the relationship between humans and ecosystems. His studies give him a unique perspective on the balance between wildlife and society. AASHE is a professional organization that helps colleges advance sustainability by providing resources and tools for faculty and students to track performance, share best practices, and implement environmental initiatives.

Reflecting on his experience, Lamantia said, “As a student worker, I was fortunate to see how different schools approach sustainability—some large universities and even smaller campuses like our own are taking on a variety of eco-friendly initiatives.” When asked why sustainability efforts on campus matter not only to students but also to the community, Lamantia said,

“Our efforts serve as an education space for all. We exhibit how to be sustainable and learn from our surroundings. We create a greener future for students and community by protecting the river, forest and other outdoor spaces to benefit everyone.”

His perspective reflects the campus’ broader approach to sustainability, which extends beyond the classroom to community events like Earth Fest held each April. The UWRF Sustainability Office partners with the city, the River Falls School District, several campus clubs, and Hope for Earth to make the event possible. The University Center fills with community members, giving them the chance to learn about sustainability and participate in activities designed to engage all ages.

For students interested in getting involved with UWRF’s sustainability efforts, Lamantia recommends following @uwrfsustainability on their Instagram account. The account posts information about volunteer opportunities, guest speaker events, and also shares updates from campus sustainability clubs. Students can also explore sustainability-focused classes to further engage with environmental initiatives on campus.