Many student groups have a strong interest in issues surrounding sustainability and the environment; a sampling of these groups follows. Other groups seeking recognition of their involvement should send a request to sustainability@wustl.edu.
American Association for Aerosol Research (AAAR)
http://aaar-batch.wik.is/
The American Association for Aerosol Research (AAAR) is a nonprofit professional organization for scientists and engineers who wish to promote and communicate technical advances in the field of aerosol research. The Association fosters the exchange of information among members and with other disciplines through conferences, symposia and publication of a professional journal, Aerosol Science and Technology (AS&T). Committed to the development of aerosol science and its application to important societal issues, AAAR offers an international forum for education, communication and networking among leading aerosol researchers. BATCH is the name of the Aerosol Research Groups at Washington University in St. Louis.
American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)
AIChE is the Chemical Engineering professional society. We have guests from the field and take trips to related companies in the area. The group is open to Chemical Engineering students and those in related majors (e.g. biomedical or environmental engineering).
The Burning Kumquat
Contact: theburningkumquat@gmail.com
http://sugroups.wustl.edu/~feedstl/theburningkumquat/
The Burning Kumquat is a low-impact, intensive garden formed in Fall 2007 and located on the South 40, near the intersection of Forsyth Boulevard and Wallace Drive. The farm is a place where members of the Washington University community can reconnect with and care for the land. Anyone is invited to come to weekly workdays at the farm—Fridays at 8 a.m. June through August and Saturdays at 9 a.m. September through May. University students are welcome to come to weekly meetings on Wednesdays.
CS40 Sustainability Committee
The CS40 Sustainability Committee is part of the Congress of the South 40's Development Board. The Sustainability Committee is responsible for planning events and programs to help educate and involve residents of the South 40 in environmental topics and issues.
Engineers Without Borders
Contact: ewbwashu@cec.wustl.edu
http://students.cec.wustl.edu/~ewbwashu/
Engineers Without Borders (EWB) is part of a global network of committed and active students and professionals who seek to make a positive and tangible impact on the world around them. Past EWB projects at other universities have included building bridges, medical and health service facilities, sanitation systems, water and wastewater treatment facilities, and other design-based projects to assist communities in developing areas of the world. These projects aim to improve the standard of living, general health and livelihood in communities that need it most. Interested students from all academic disciplines are encouraged to apply their academic knowledge to help better the world around them.
Environmental Law Society (ELS)
http://law.wustl.edu/students/index.asp?id=1017
The Washington University Environmental Law Society is open to all students, faculty and staff at the university who are interested in exploring the intersection of law and the environment. Whether you’re looking for a way to get involved in the community, a contact for employment in the “real world” or just want to learn more about environmental law, this is the society for you.
Environmental Social Work Initiative (ESWI)
Contact:eswi@gwbmail.wustl.edu
Green Action/Sierra Student Coalition
Contact: green@sugroups.wustl.edu
http://students.cec.wustl.edu/~lhc1/
Green Action is a student organization that focuses on the environmental sustainability of the Washington University campus and community. The group provides a forum for discussing concerns with university practices, putting forward ideas for positive change, and working with students, faculty and staff to develop solutions that can be implemented. Green Action also provides the student body with information regarding the recycling system, energy efficiency, the mug program and other ways to live sustainably on campus. Green Action members participate in the regional and national sustainability movements, maintaining relevancy and awareness of current events, politics and issues. They sponsor events to engage the university community in discussion of environmental issues and to foster a culture of sustainability; these events include 7th Hour, a panel discussion on environmental topics, and Residential College contests for recycling and energy conservation, among others.
Green Givens
Contact: greengivens@gmail.com
Green Givens is a graduate and undergraduate organization, focused on architecture, with the purpose of promoting sustainable design. Our goal is to encourage and maintain 1) greater understanding and appreciation for the ecological impacts of architecture and building, 2) educated understanding of environmental concerns within the studio culture, and 3) outreach toward like-minded community and academic networks beyond Washington University. We meet bi-weekly to brainstorm, refine and implement specific ideas that would help realize these goals. Our efforts focus on a variety of levels, from concerns specific to the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts to those of the broader community. We welcome participation from students of all ages and majors.
Green Thurtene
Contact: thurtene.ce@gmail.com
Thurtene is an initiative started in 2006 to reduce the environmental impact of Thurtene Carnival by decreasing waste, increasing reuse and recycling, and employing sustainable building materials and strategies. Thus far, Green Thurtene has focused mainly on using biodiesel generators and increasing the amount of lumber recycled. Green Thurtene plans to include a LEED-like checklist for student groups to help them make their structures more environmentally friendly and to provide a score sheet for evaluating the "Greenest Construction." In addition, we hope to develop better architectural designs to decrease waste, while still providing groups the greatest amount of creative control. The Green Thurtene initiative is a long-term effort to make the carnival as sustainable as the tradition it represents.
Net Impact
Contact: ni@olin.wustl.edu
http://www.olin.wustl.edu/orgs/ni/
Net Impact promotes using the power of business to create a better world. Whether for-profit, or not-for-profit, there is leading edge work being done to find new ways to build sustainable businesses that outperform their peers and establish a long-term competitive advantage. The Olin Net Impact Club strives to explore these businesses and the challenging concepts of Sustainable Business and Corporate Social Responsibility.
Students for Fair Trade
Contact: washusft@gmail.com
Students for Fair Trade exists to educate the Washington University community about Fair Trade issues and to increase awareness of global poverty. The group aims to be a connection between students and the community and to provide students and staff with ways to remedy current global problems, especially those stemming from trade. Students for Fair Trade hopes to raise awareness among the student body, incorporate Fair Trade food and clothing options into campus policy, and encourage local venders and businesses to adhere to Fair Trade values.
V.E.R.D.E. (Volunteers for Environmental Restoration, Development, and Education)
http://campusy.wustl.edu/verde.html
V.E.R.D.E. works to foster greater awareness about environmental issues among school children. On a bimonthly basis, V.E.R.D.E. is in the classroom to teach topics that range from endangered species to climate change. V.E.R.D.E also interacts with the community by participating in environmental restoration events around St. Louis.
Washington University Cooperative (Co-Op)
http://www.washucoop.com/
The Washington University Cooperative was founded in Spring 2003 and became a Student Union-recognized group in Spring 2004. Since Fall 2004, we have provided alternative, off-campus housing for Washington University undergraduates in two university-owned buildings. The Coop is founded on six pillars: community building, environmental sustainability, healthy living, social responsibility, cooperative learning and leadership. Every Monday night the Coop hosts “Coop Café,” a series of concerts, film screenings, and social programs at 8:30 p.m. in the basement of the Coop.
In the Community
Nationwide
Around the World