Looking for ways to get involved this semester but not quite sure where to start yet?
The Student Environmental Council (SEC), a collection of WashU environmental student groups, offers many opportunities for students to engage, learn and take action for sustainability on campus. You do not need to be a member of a sustainability group to be part of the SEC, everyone is welcome. The SEC meets once a month to collaborate on current projects and discuss environmental issues affecting campus. In addition to planning a series of high impact events for the spring (Vandana Shiva’s talk Earth Democracy on Feb 13, 7-8p; Earth Week in April, etc.), SEC works closely with institutional partners to advance a culture of sustainability on campus. Among the latest projects, SEC have been partnering with Dining Services to reduce the use of plastic straws in campus eateries and is preparing to launch a communication campaign about to-go boxes.
SEC also offers a weekly newsletter to stay up to date on student project, ongoing events, and career/internship opportunities! Click here to sign up for the newsletter and here if you would like to join the SEC GroupMe. SEC also has an official website and email address!
Below is a list of a few student groups, including description and meeting times. For more student groups, visit this page.
If you’re interested in environmental activism and justice…
Green Action
At Green Action, we are a student environmental group focusing on environmental justice, climate, and conservation on both local and global scales. We push for big picture change and emphasize the social justice aspect of environmentalism. Help make an impact on some of the greatest challenges facing our generation, while gaining valuable connections and leadership skills. Anyone is welcome to join at any level of commitment!
Meeting Times:
- GBM: Every other Monday at 7 PM. Location changes on a weekly basis, email greenactionwashu@gmail.com to find out more.
- Fossil Free: Every Tuesday at 7 PM in Harvey Media Suite
- Community Outreach: Every Thursday at 6 PM in Harvey Media Suite
If you’re interested in environmental consulting…
Student Sustainability Board
SSB acts as an environmental consulting resource for anyone hosting an event on campus. SSB is an entity of SU that serves two primary purposes:
The first is to support projects on campus designed to increase sustainability. Anyone in the Wash U community may submit a proposal and budget, and SSB will vote on the decision to support the project. Examples of projects include handing out reusable metal straws and introducing compost bins in dorms.
The second purpose of SSB is to “event green,” or to make campus events as sustainable as possible. We work on events that range in size from Thurtene and WILD to Shabbat dinners to small club meetings. We offer advice on making clubs more sustainable as well as access to free compostable plates and cutlery.
- Meeting Time: Every Monday at 8 PM in DUC 233
If you’re interested in environmental education…
VERDE
VERDE volunteers provide environmentalist programming for 1st-5th grade classes. In groups of three, members create lesson plans and activities on environmental topics of their choice, from green building to biodiversity to space exploration. Each teaching group visits the same class for 45 minutes a week throughout a semester, building relationships with the students.
- Meeting Time: Every Monday at 7 PM in Eads 116
If you’re interested in sustainability and business…
Net Impact
As the premier sustainability through business group on campus, Net Impact strives to give students the opportunity and skills to make environmentally and socially responsible change happen on campus. Net Impact grows and strengthens a network of leaders who believe in the power of business to create a positive social, environmental and economic impact. In recent years, Net Impact has created a minor in the B-School, held a conference on campus, taken students to the national conference in Atlanta, and held other events like pitch competitions.
- Meeting Time: Every Monday at 6 PM
If you’re interested in sustainability in fashion and up-cycling
SWAP
SWAP‘s mission is to promote re-use within the Washington University community through the free exchange and affordable sale of donated goods. SWAP has both a storefront (the Trading Post) operated during the school year and an annual Move Out Collections Program (SOS) and Move In Sale. Learn more on Facebook and Instagram.
If you’re interested in organic gardening and food justice…
Burning Kumquat
The Burning Kumquat is an organic, student-run garden where members of Washington University come together to cultivate crops, learn farming practices and sell produce to other WashU community members. If you are interested in getting involved, e-mail us at theburningkumquat@gmail.com.