A Guide to Sustainability

Discover sustainable practices and take action for a better future. This guide is curated by the McMaster University Library Sustainability Committee and designed to offer the campus community a range of relevant resources and information.

• Learn about sustainability-related events and projects hosted by the Library
• Find books, articles, websites, and initiatives on various topics of relevance, including energy, waste reduction, sustainable transportation, and food sustainability, among others.

Suggestions are welcome! Visit feedback to share comments on existing content or recommend additional resources.

McMaster University Libraries, in collaboration with campus and community partners, are presenting a series of events, collections, resources, exhibits and initiatives focused on environmental action. From our seed library to online Archives Alive presentations, there is a vast array of free programming and initiatives to participate in.

Sustainability is an ongoing priority for the university libraries, but our programming for the Year of Environmental Action runs from fall 2025 through spring 2026. The series comes from the university libraries in partnership with the Campus Sustainability Committee, McMaster Centre for Climate Change, Nature @ McMaster, and the Innovation, Leadership, Engagement, Action and Discovery Office (formerly the Academic Sustainability Program).

McMaster University Libraries regularly presents “Year of” programming to collaborate with campus partners, as well as to highlight the libraries’ vital roles in supporting the research, teaching, and learning mission of the university. Year of Environmental Action follows past years of programming, including Celebrating 50 Years: The Bertrand Russell Archives in 2018, Celebrating STEM in 2019, and Transformative Stories: Year of Gender and Justice in 2023-2024.

Please check this website regularly for events updates. 

In celebration of Climate Action Week, McMaster University Libraries invite members of the McMaster community to submit their environmental and climate action-themed art for display. From November 1-7, 2025, selected works will be showcased across our library spaces, providing a visual narrative to inspire awareness and action on climate change.

This is an exciting opportunity for artists to engage with a critical global issue and have their work seen by thousands of library visitors. Whether you're a student, faculty member, or staff, we encourage you to contribute your creative expression on the themes of environmental sustainability, climate justice and action, and ecological preservation.

Everyone who submits their art will be entered into a draw for a chance to win one of two $25 grocery gift cards!

Submission Guidelines:

• Deadline: All submissions must be received by October 24, 2025.
• Format: Artwork can include paintings, drawings, photography, mixed media, and digital art. Please ensure that pieces are ready for display (e.g., framed, mounted).
• Submission: Submit a high-quality photo of your artwork along with a brief description to this Microsoft form.
• Display: Selected artworks will be displayed in the libraries from November 1-7, 2025.
• Liability: Please note that while we will take precautions, McMaster University Libraries cannot be held responsible for any damage or theft of artworks.

We thank you for your consideration and look forward to seeing your submissions!

For more information, please contact Paige Roman (romanp@mcmaster.ca), Erin Aults (aultse@mcmaster.ca), or Katie O’Donnell (odonnk4@mcmaster.ca) from the McMaster University Libraries Sustainability Committee & McMaster University Libraries Displays Committee

Featured Collection: Environmental Sustainability & Climate Change

Explore our curated collection in honour of Earth Day (April 22nd), a global movement to protect the environment and raise awareness about sustainability. Our featured collection showcases a diverse range of perspectives on environmentalism, ecology, and conservation, including a spotlight on Indigenous Voices and the Environment in a special sub-collection of titles written by Indigenous authors.