Environmental Affairs
Vision Statement
This department is centered on advancing sustainability initiatives, amplifying student voices, and fostering mindful environmental change across Colorado State University. Both the Director and the Deputy Director are responsible for continuing to generate new ideas for reducing the environmental impact of students at Colorado State University and developing new methods for encouraging students to participate in sustainable activities. Furthermore, the department shall commit to making sustainable choices available to all students on campus regardless of the identities they hold.
Key Projects
Graduation Gown Lending Library
This initiative promotes equity and sustainability by providing undergraduate students with free access to regalia, effectively removing financial barriers to participating in commencement. By facilitating over 50 requests and hosting “speed rental” events on the LSC Plaza, the department ensures that students can celebrate their achievements without the added stress of purchasing single-use textiles.
Fair Trade Product Events
To raise awareness about sustainable labor standards, this series of events provided students with free Fair Trade Certified products, including chocolate, coffee, tea, and honey. Held on November 13th in Corbett Kitchen and December 4th in the Library, the initiative offered an accessible way for students to sample ethically sourced goods while learning about the social and environmental benefits of fair wages.
Generation Conscious (GENCO) Zero-Waste Laundry Program
Focused on reducing plastic waste in residence halls, this pilot program introduces zero-waste laundry detergent dispensers and distributes free eco-friendly laundry sheets to students. The project secured $3,500 in funding from the Residence Hall Association to ensure students have access to practical, sustainable living solutions directly within their living spaces for the upcoming spring semester.
Rams Against Hunger Refill Station
A new castile soap refill station was implemented in the Rams Against Hunger (RAH) Pocket Pantry to offer students free access to versatile cleaning essentials. This resource allows students to utilize reusable containers to obtain soap, simultaneously addressing basic needs and eliminating the waste associated with single-use plastic packaging.
Reusable Menstrual Product Giveaway
This resource drive addresses both student wellness and waste reduction by distributing reusable menstrual products to the student body at no cost. Hosted on the Plaza on September 17th, the event advanced menstrual equity while empowering students to switch to environmentally conscious alternatives for their essential care items.
Want to dive deeper?
For more information, you can go through the Environmental Affairs Department Monthly Reports on the right. These provide in-depth information on the month’s accomplishments, current projects, plans, a breakdown of the Director’s Timesheet, Budget Breakdown, Goals, and Sibling Branch Engagement.
Also, feel free to contact Director Trina McDowell with any questions!