The Sustainability Think Tank (STT) is a branch of CU Student Government (SG) that empowers students addressing issues in sustainability, the environment, and eco-social justice by collaborating with existing on-campus organizations to conduct relevant research and guide CUSG policy. Last year, STT was charged by the CUSG Tri-Executives to revamp student government’s commitment to sustainability and the environment.
This semester, we are looking for students interesting engaging in two exciting research projects. The two research projects are briefly summarized below:
- CARBON OFFSETS WITH FOOD CHOICES: Research and develop an outreach event that engages student groups who travel to conferences and competitions. The outreach event will be centered around offsetting the carbon footprint of travel with low-carbon food choices. No prior experience or specific major is required.
- REUSABLE DISHWARE: To study the costs and benefits of using reusable dish ware (as opposed to recyclable and compostable ware) at UMC vendors including Papa Johns, Panda Express, and Jamba Juice. This research will include working with waste analysis and reduction software and waste composition and lifecycle studies. No prior experience or specific major is required.
The studies will be conducted in conjunction with Housing and Dining Services and the CU Environmental Center. At the end of the semester, we will be presenting our findings and suggestions to them, as well as plan the Carbon Offset Outreach event for Spring 2016.
As mentioned above, no prior research experience or specific major is needed. The time commitment as part of the research team will be 1-3 hours a week. We want anybody who is passionate about making a real difference on campus in terms of sustainability and the environment. This opportunity will be a fantastic resume builder and way to connect to the environmental community on campus.