NE North Dakota News

The University of North Dakota (UND) recently hosted the "Earth Day Fair 2025: Grow, Eat, Repeat — A Cycle of Sustainability," an event designed to educate attendees on sustainable practices. Organized by the Department of Nutrition & Dietetics and GRO.UND Learning Gardens, the fair aimed to demonstrate how individuals can make a positive environmental impact year-round.

Erin Lauckner, clinical assistant professor in Nutrition & Dietetics, emphasized the importance of sustainable food practices due to finite resources. "Food waste is a big part of greenhouse gas emissions," she said. The event featured various exhibits by students from UND’s Accelerated Dietetics master’s degree program, focusing on reducing food waste and making environmentally conscious choices.

Jenna Torborg presented an exhibit titled "Green Plate, Green Planet," highlighting plant-based nutrition's benefits for health and the environment. She explained that plant-based foods improve heart and gut health while contributing positively to climate regulation.

Sophie Johnson offered strategies for reducing food waste at home, such as taking inventory before shopping and storing produce properly. She shared a statistic from sustainability author Martina Igini that over half of all fruits and vegetables in the U.S. are wasted annually.

Anna Biby showcased "Un-Bay-LEAF-able Herbs," promoting growing herbs at home as a sustainable practice. Biby noted that fresh herbs reduce stress and are nutrient-rich.

Kendall Herman discussed managing pantry items effectively to prevent waste, while Tristan Bisbee highlighted local food benefits for both consumers and local economies.

Melissa Grafenauer and Emily Orr demonstrated planting techniques at their booth, sharing insights into UND's sustainability efforts like composting plant materials for reuse in flowerbeds.

Meg Livers led an art activity using fruits and vegetables with participants creating art pieces as a form of mindful expression. Elizabeth Suazo-Flores praised the event for its focus on non-polluting materials.

Cheryl Hunter and Joshua Hunter encouraged starting small with manageable actions towards sustainability rather than being overwhelmed by large-scale problems.

The Earth Day Fair served as a platform for sharing practical tips on individual contributions toward environmental sustainability through everyday actions.