Insects as Food and How to Fund Your Energy-Saving Plan Are Highlights of Campus Sustainability Day

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas Office for Sustainability will host two events on Campus Sustainability Day, Wednesday, Oct. 22. The theme for this national event is “Empowering Change on Campus and in the Community.”

The first event is a screening of a TED Talk video, “Why Not Eat Insects?” with ecological entomologist Marcel Dicke suggesting insects as a tasty — and ecologically sound — alternative to meat as a way to combat world hunger. The World Health Organization has also suggested insects as a source of nutrition and protein with a low environmental impact. Eating insects may be one of many solutions to address world food shortages.

The screening will be from noon to 1 p.m. in room 510-511 of the Arkansas Union, and the Office for Sustainability will provide an assortment of cricket-based foods for sampling. Space is limited for this viewing, so advanced registration is required.  

A workshop on how to apply for a grant from the University of Arkansas Green Revolving Fund will follow at 1 p.m., also in room 510-511 of the Union. This U of A fund supports energy efficiency projects on campus that have a positive return on investment. Theresa Ehrlich, co-chair of the Sustainability Council’s managed systems workgroup, will provide a step-by-step presentation on how to apply for funding and implement projects through the Green Revolving Fund.

Staff for the Sustainability Academic Programs will also be available to answer any questions during these events for students who might be interested in the sustainability minor or the Graduate Certificate in Sustainability.

Campus Sustainability Day is part of a national effort in higher education institutions to highlight the successes, challenges and innovations of sustainability in higher education. The Office for Sustainability has participated in this annual event for the last three years.