May 24, 2021 KALAMAZOO, Mich.—A planting project with roots in sustainability is blossoming at Western Michigan University. Crews from Landscape Services have potted and placed 66 self-watering planters across campus to not only make Western more beautiful but also more eco-friendly. Funded by a Student Sustainability Grant from Western's Office for Sustainability, the project will dramatically reduce labor, fuel and maintenance costs for Landscape Services as well as water usage. The planters are made of recycled plastic and carpet and include a reservoir to hold water as well as a moisture-wicking system. David Prellwitz carries one of the self-watering planters. "The carpet helps bring the water up from the bottom to the soil," says