You are here
Project Updates for collection: Student Sustainability Committee Funded Projects
Search
Search tips:
- This form will search for words in the title OR the description. If you would like to search for the same term(s) across both the title and description, enter the same search term(s) in both fields.
- This form will search for any of the words you enter in a field, not the exact phrase you enter. If you would like to search for an exact phrase, put double quotes (") around the phrase. For example, if you search for Bike Path you will get results containing either the word Bike OR the word Path, but if you search for "Bike Path" you will get results containing the exact phrase Bike Path.
- Associated Project(s):
2023 Bee Campus Report
Associated Project(s):The prior annual reports were not submitted, so F&S worked to update the Bee Campus Committee members, update the Charge Letter, and submit the 2023 data. The Xerces Society approved the 2023 Bee Campus USA report on March 5, 2023.
Work Order Closed for Removing Parking Blocks for Shipping Container Delivery
Associated Project(s):Work order #11210322 for the Labor Shop to remove the parking blocks on the south-west side of the parking lot E-28 for shipping containers delivery in the gravel lot between the Abbott Chilling Tower and the Personnel Building was completed on 2/3/2025. This task was closed on 3/4/2025 and cost $2,051.81.
Bird Strikes Meeting Notes 3/3/25
Associated Project(s):Discussed background information regarding Bird Strikes on the UIUC campus such as number of deaths, which buildings/locations on campus cause the largest number of deaths, etc. Further discussed potential solutions and strategies for implementation (including outsourcing, funding, volunteers, etc.) as well as next steps.
Attached Files:Battery Recycling for F&S
Associated Project(s):
Battery Recycling at F&S
There are three programs for recycling batteries at F&S.Rechargeable batteries for tools: The Tool Room provides new rechargeable batteries for F&S tools. When a tool’s rechargeable battery gets too old to hold a charge, return it to the Tool Room for a replacement. The Tool Room will recycle them.
Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) batteries: The electricians purchase UPS batteries from Interstate Batteries and return them to the same vendor for recycling.
Hazardous waste pickup, including batteries: The Division of Research Safety provides a free waste pick-up service that accepts batteries. To request a pick-up, use the Illinois Sign On form at https://unillinois.chemicalsafety.com/unillinois/.
Some departments at F&S may arrange for battery recycling of their own batteries, but there is no F&S-wide program other than the three mentioned above.
As a reminder, personal-use batteries cannot be recycled through campus programs. Champaign and Urbana both provide this service. Please visit the appropriate website to learn more:
Eco-Counter updated for January + February 2025
Associated Project(s):Staff collected and updated data for the month of January and February on 2/26/25.
Weekly digest
Associated Project(s):Still slow but have had a few people in looking for bikes or B-a-Bs but no sales on either. With the warmer weather this week, we’ll likely be busier. I’ve got a half dozen bikes to safety check while the weather is cooperating.
Last week and today we made some more headway on the abandoned bike pile. Still coordinating with some other groups to take some of the junky bikes off our hands.
Tonight is the Bike Project Monthly Meeting.
The numbers:
Visitors: 23
Sales: $82
Membership: 1 for $30
Tire/tube: 1 for $602.20 Engagement Team Meeting
Associated Project(s):The meeting covered several key updates and discussions on sustainability initiatives. The Chair provided updates on the Green Training Program survey, seeking feedback on student engagement strategies. The Vice Chair discussed efforts for a greener campus, including outreach to Greek Life. The Clerk emphasized the importance of in-person meetings and marketing materials. Guest speakers highlighted upcoming events like Sustainapalooza and Illinifest, stressing the logistical challenges and opportunities for student involvement. Discussions included promotional outreach, sustainability projects such as Greener Chapters yard signs and low-maintenance greenery at ISR, and the importance of connecting sustainability efforts across campus. Additionally, engagement team members offered support for these initiatives, and an approved course for next semester was announced. Adam encouraged members to consider speaking at the sustainability film festival.
Attached Files:Milkweed Planting Update
Associated Project(s):25 lbs of common milkweed seed was dispersed by F&S Grounds along with select plug planting areas. Attached is a map where areas were either seeded or plugged and whether or not milkweed plants have been observed.
Attached Files:Weekly digest
Associated Project(s):Uneventful over here. Slow and cold. Plodding away at bikes and wheels to have a good supply of both come the busy times. This week I’ll meet some TBP volunteers to clean out the barn more, as it’ll be March soon.
The numbers:
Visitors: 19
Sales: $281.50
Bikes (B-a-B): 2 for $100
Memberships: 3 for $90
Tires/tubes: 1 for $4Archived project information
Associated Project(s):Dart Container at 1505 E. Main St., Urbana, accepts expanded polystyrene (EPS), more commonly known by its brand name Styrofoam, for recycling. Departments are encouraged to take EPS there to recycle this bulky material. By doing so, we can reduce the volume of waste sent from campus to landfills and avoid the harmful environmental impacts of that practice. There is no charge to drop off EPS at Dart for recycling.
There is currently no central funding source to pay for transportion of EPS to Dart, so departments need to arrange transport independently.
The drop-off location is in a fenced-in area of the Dart parking lot and may be accessed 24 hours a day. Dart accepts foam packaging (except for packaging peanuts), foam cups, foam egg cartons, foam meat trays, foam ice chests, and other foam products that fall within these guidelines:
- Make sure foam has the #6 chasing arrows symbol on it.
- Deposit foam in a clear or translucent bag (large bags are provided at the drop-off site).
- Rinse or wipe foodservice containers free from food.
- Remove straws, lids, tape or any other non-foam material.
- Do not include foam-packaging peanuts.
From fall 2015 until summer 2017, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) ran the Styrecycle program in partnership with Community Resource Inc. (CRI). Ownership of CRI changed in July 2017, and the new owner was not able to continue the program.
Land and Water February Monthly Meeting Minutes
Associated Project(s):The Land and Water team had their monthly meeting on February 7th, 2025, on Teams at 9:00 am. This was the first meeting with the team's new interim chair, Jonathon Mosley. The meeting minutes and notes are attached.
Attached Files:Department of Psychology is Now Certified Green!
Associated Project(s):The Department of Pyschology acheived Monarch Level Green Office Certification!
Weekly Digest
Associated Project(s):We have been surprisingly busy here at CBC so far this year. We’ve sold a few bikes thus far and seen a couple Build-a-Bikes head out the door—all good things!
Over the weekend, TBP volunteers and I tackled the abandoned bikes in the barn. Made some good progress and had almost a dozen folks on hand helping to sort/strip/move bikes out. Will have to take a few more cracks at it before we completely empty the space but got a good start. Great to see so many volunteers come out—many hands make light work!
The numbers (1/22 – 1/31):
Visitors: 73
Sales: 1,371
Bikes (refurb): 3 for $610
Bikes (B-a-B): 3 for $180
Memberships: 15 for $450
Tires/tubes: 4 for $19.50Work Order Closed for Construction Phase 8474 Bike Storage [Campus] Rock Laydown Area
Associated Project(s):Work order #11183778 for Construction Service Support for construction phase 8474 bike storage [campus] rock laydown area was closed on 1/31/2025. This task cost $28.14.
Engagement Team Meeting
Associated Project(s):The meeting covered updates on the Greener Campus (GC) initiative, including efforts to promote office certification and introduce decals for visibility. There was discussion on engaging Greek Life in sustainability efforts, with suggested contacts for outreach. The Sustainapalooza committee, represented by Kathrine Bruce and Liesl Schrag, provided an event overview and discussed promotional efforts such as digital signage, outreach to department heads, and MTD bus advertisements. Laurinda introduced a wildlife-centered gardening project under the Illinois Prairie Garden initiative, presenting engagement opportunities like prairie conservation and plant sales. Additional sustainability events were highlighted, including a short film event during Earth Week. Action items included Brigid coordinating scheduling and outreach, Quinn working on GC decals and office engagement, and all members providing feedback on marketing materials, brainstorming engagement strategies, and filling out a scheduling poll.
Attached Files:Purchased Order Closed for Bagging City of Champaign Parking Meters
Associated Project(s):Work order #11210744 is for Transportation Demand Management to pay for bagging City of Champaign meters for the delivery of shipping containers. This work order was converted to purchase order #A435424 and was closed on 1/17/2025. This task cost $300.
Purchase Order Closed for Purchasing Shipping Containers
Associated Project(s):Purchase order #P2737487 for Transportation Demand Management to procure seven shipping containers from Mel Price Containers to store abandoned bicycles was closed on 12/18/2024. The total cost for the work order is $22,715.
Monarchs Need Milkweed Project Update
Associated Project(s):An update on 12/11/2024 from Brent Lewis on the Monarchs need Milkweed project:
"...all plugs were installed as of November 2024 in a variety of locations on campus. Additionally 25’bs of milkweed seed was purchased and delivered to grounds to broadcast seed into low mow and prairie areas on campus. As a set aside, 3 lbs of seeds were delivered to the Pollinatarium staff who will use it to make small planting gift sachets for their visitors. Thus this project’s influence may continue far beyond the reaches of the campus boundaries."
Weekly Digest
Associated Project(s):As expected, we were slow last week. We held an instructional course but did not get any attendees as it was cold and snowy—no surprise there! We will schedule more classes next semester.
We’re still low on kids’ bike donations and hovering around 50 or so. Have a meeting with IMC folks this week to discuss logistics.
As a late decision, the Bike Center will be the starting point for a community bike ride this coming Sunday, December 15th at 2p, which will hopefully get some folks aware of our space that may not have been otherwise.
The numbers:
Visitors: 25
Sales: $209
Memberships: 2 for $60
Tires/tubes: 5 for $39
