sustainability
USD takes steps toward sustainability with PLAN
The Post Action Landfill Network (PLAN) helps college students across the country by providing resources, educational courses and leadership training. USD students have access to all of these trainings at the website postlandfill.org by using a USD e-mail. “PLAN empowers our generation to be changemakers. We really put our belief in students for this zero-waste […]
Green Initiative Fund moved from SGA to USD Sustainability Committee
The Student Government Association voted this past October to move the jurisdiction of the Green Initiative Fund (GIF) from SGA to the USD Sustainability Committee. The GIF gives students at USD funds provided by the general activity fund (GAF) to pursue projects on campus that make USD a more sustainable and environmentally friendly place. Abuk […]
USD graduate student examines sustainability practices on campus
A few months after finishing her undergraduate degree at Oberlin College, Anna Moore came to USD this past spring to be a sustainability coordinator and do research as a graduate student. One of Moore’s research projects included conducting a Zero Waste Assessment (ZWA) of the university’s waste management program over the summer. The assessment evaluates […]
USD students work to build a culture of resourcefulness on campus
For years USD has not had many consistent recycling acts set in place. However, two sustainability students are planning to change that for good. Caitlin Reimers, a junior sustainability major and campus recycling coordinator, and Anna Moore, a graduate student, have been working together to plan a campus initiative for recycling. Starting with North Complex […]
Graduate student holds community composting survey
USD is home to over 2,000 graduate students — many of them with big goals for post graduation. One specific graduate student, Jacinda Maassen, has intentions on making the Vermillion community a healthier environment. Jacinda Maassen completed her Masters degree for Sustainability Development in Sweden and is currently working on her PhD in Sustainability here […]
UNA hosts UN Day, aims for sustainability education
A relatively new club on campus, the United Nations Association of USD, is hosting its second “UN Day” event to promote sustainability and raise awareness of the club. The event will showcase student-led sustainability projects and include presentations about recycling on campus from Anna Moore and Caitlin Reimers, an online sustainable fashion business from Brigit […]
Environmental Law Society promotes sustainability
Law students at USD can get involved in sustainability projects through the Environmental Law Society (ELS), which seeks to raise awareness of environmental issues while also pointing them to environmental law as a potential career track. Berkley Fierro, ELS president, has been involved with the group for three years. Fierro said the group seeks to […]
Environmental Club and Sustainability Department see growth, aim for more involvement
A year after changing its name, the USD Environmental Club hopes to make sustainability inclusive and possible for all college students. Holly Black, president of the Environmental Club, said the organization was formerly known as SUST, or Students Understanding Sustainable Tactics, Club before it changed its name in the fall of 2019. “I think that […]
Campus Dining adapts to COVID-19
In order to stay proactive and limit the spread of COVID-19, Aramark has implemented changes in residential dining to protect staff and dining guests. In previous years, residential dining meals were expected to be eaten in the Muenster University Center, now due to seating limitations all food items in residential dining are available for takeout. […]
UNASD sets sustainability goals for local, national levels
A new organization, United Nations Association for Sustainable Development (UNASD), is working towards eco-friendly goals at local and national levels. Breana Spinler, president of USD’s UNASD chapter, said she looks to educate students about sustainable development goals and why they’re important. The United Nations has a list of seventeen sustainable development goals. University chapters and […]