New ‘green fund’ aims to make USD more sustainable

USD is giving students an opportunity to make a difference with sustainability efforts on campus.

Earlier this year, the Student Government Association decided to incorporate the Green Initiative Fund to award money to students who apply for, and would like to participate in sustainability projects on campus.

In order to be granted the $4,850 to start a sustainability project, students must first submit an application. The President’s Joint Council on Sustainability will ultimately decide which students receive the grant money, as they know what efforts are already underway. There are two stages to this process.

In stage one, all applicants must submit a project abstract. Applicants must also include the overall purpose of the project, a brief description on how it will be implemented, approximate start and completion dates, a budget, the project’s sustainability benefits and how its benefits will be measured.

For stage two, the SGA committee will invite a limited number of applicants who they deem exceptional to present their project’s abstracts.

The Green Fund was proposed by a previous SGA administration, before current president and vice president Nathaniel Steinlicht and Michelle Novak took office, but the idea never came to light. When Steinlicht and Novak were elected, they decided to finally follow through and create a fund for students who would like to see USD become more sustainable.

“SGA really wanted to put the power back into students’ hands for those passionate about sustainability,” Novak said.

Steinlicht said one goal of the fund is to educate students.

“(The goal of the Green Fund) is to make USD more sustainable, and to really educate students more on sustainability,” Steinlicht said.

He also said that any type of program helps, no matter the size.

“(These programs) do not have to be physical,” Steinlicht said. “They could be programs encouraging people to recycle or even about sustainable foods.”

SGA said they have received many applications for students who are interested in receiving grant money from the Green Fund, but it would be beneficial to increase student awareness about the grant. Any student, with any idea on how to make USD more sustainable can apply for the grant by contacting SGA or visiting the USD website.

“The Green Fund needs more advertisement, especially since it’s in its first semester,” Steinlicht said. “SGA would like people to apply and use all of the money awarded.”