If your favourite cup of tea is green, there’s a chance to get involved with ecoinitiatives on campus with the Students’ Union Sustainability Board.
Schools, including the University of Calgary, are joining the effort to protect the environment. There are several groups on campus offering students the opportunity to get involved in environmental efforts. Some examples are the SUSB, the eco club and eco geeks.
The SUSB has been present on our campus in past years, providing grants for student sustainability initiatives funded by on-campus recycling, as well as last year’s Eat Dirt initiative, which was unfortunately foiled by a fruit fly problem.
This year, the board will focus on vamping up communication between its various factions and working with other environmental groups on campus. The rationale being that co-ordination will increase the effectiveness of each group’s projects.
“It’s great to have people who are already interested in [sustainability] and be able to connect them with the resources to get projects going,” said SU and SUSB president Charlotte Kingston.
The board, with both familiar faces and new recruits, will focus on developing a three year sustainability action plan. There are also a variety of other projects being planned for the year. The board is developing guidelines for the extensive renovations which are currently underway on campus.
Another SUSB side project is the Green Cafe, which will be held Oct. 13. Students will be able to meet the board and discuss the action plan, while giving voice to their own opinions and offering their ideas.
“If anyone is interested in coming they are more than welcome to sit on our board,” said Kingston. “We’re always looking for more people.”
A full list of all clubs on campus is available at www.su.ucalgary.ca/services/student-services/student-clubs/clubs-list.html.