Sustainable Ship

Interesting idea...

In the Netherlands, parks are becoming quiet hubs of circular energy thanks to mini biogas domes — compact digesters that sit half-sunken in the landscape, turning everyday organic waste into low-impact power. These domes are cleverly designed to be fed with food scraps from nearby cafés, grass clippings from city gardeners, and even dog waste collected in compostable bags by park visitors. Inside, microbes break down the material in sealed chambers, producing methane gas which is funneled through underground lines to light up nearby lamps and pathways.

The methane burns with a soft, blue glow — enough to illuminate benches, garden paths, or bike stops without drawing from the national grid. It’s not flashy, but it’s deeply effective: turning localized waste into localized light. These small domes are often paired with educational boards that explain the digestion process, making the tech transparent and sparking curiosity among parkgoers.

The system also creates a subtle behavioral shift. People start thinking about waste as a fuel, not just trash — tossing leftovers or bagged pet droppings into these collection slots becomes an act of contribution. Maintenance is low, odors are contained, and the domes blend into the natural layout of the space.

This quiet innovation reflects the Dutch ethos of small-scale, decentralized sustainability — not every power solution needs wind turbines or solar fields. Sometimes, it's a dome in the grass gently lighting the way with yesterday’s sandwich crusts and today’s dog walks.

Nothing goes to waste. Today's Salsa Fest at the campus farm with Shipp Farmer was a hit as always. This year we grew 14 different varieties of tomatoes and other produce including egg plant, zucchini, onions, and a variety of herbs. The scraps that didn't make it into the salsa made some chickens, goats and our sheep very happy.

‘Keep it clean’ — Students and faculty team up to raise awareness Spring has sprung in Shippensburg, and rather than enjoy the flowers around campus, some students are kneeling next to storm drains. You may have seen them on campus the last few weeks, sporting hi-vis vests and wielding angle grinders or caulk guns. If you take a closer look at the drains they were...

Green League students meeting and planning for our 10th Annual StewardSHIP Week later this spring. Good things being planned.

Nearing the end of . Over 200 person hours of service completed, but we are not done yet! Tomorrow is Day and although it is rainy today, the weather forecast for tomorrow looks drier and drier. Join us by 8:45 a.m. at the Fireman's Activity Center on Orange Street to help clean-up Shippensburg! If you want to help with stream clean-up - let us know!

Stop by the Shippensburg University Campus Farm this weekend and help celebrate their 10-year anniversary! The farm is hosting a tour as part of the Shippensburg University Parent and Family Celebration on September 17th from 12 – 2 p.m.

The farm is located off of Britton Road near the Burd Run stream. It’s a quick walk from campus through the Cora Grove Spiritual Center parking lot (which is an option for parking). Look for signs directing you down the road below the chilling plant to the farm.

We hope to see you there!

Amazing... lots of hard work across the university to achieve this recognition. Kudos to faculty, staff, facilities members, administrators, and our students...

Shippensburg University named Green Ribbon School by USDE - Ship Now The US Department of Education announced today, Earth Day, that Shippensburg University is named a 2022 US Department of Education Green Ribbon School. Ship was nominated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and was one of only four postsecondary institutions to be honored nationally in the P...

Another great event . Walk About Wednesday to visit the Campus Farm Orchard. 10 plus kinds of fruit trees in the orchard looking good and so looking forward to our first summer/fall harvest. Seems like just yesterday we were planting these trees...won't be too long before we can enjoy the fruits of our labor...

Movie Monday Picture a Scientist Film and Panel Discussion. Being a good steward means understanding our own bias and removing the conscious and unconscious barriers we put in front of ourselves and those around us. A sustainable future demands that all people have equal access, fair treatment, and open supportive communities that celebrate all of our contributions. When more than 50% of undergraduate degrees in sciences are awarded to women, but only 27% of career positions are held by women, there is a leaky pipeline that negatively impacts us all. And until that changes we can't have an equitable future. Thank you to Dr. Heather Sahli (Biology), Dr. Robin McCann (Chemistry), Dr. Kate Shirk (Physics), and Dr. Misty Knight (Human Communications and Women's and Gender Studies) for their participation. Great turnout despite the weather. #

2022 started off with a white out on campus... and dampened some plans but didnt ruin the first event... our Movie Monday film and panel discussion for the film Picture a Scientist. Stay tuned for photos.