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Project Updates for collection: Student Sustainability Committee Funded Projects

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  1. Pursuing Resources for Transporting Gloves to Trailer

    Associated Project(s): 
    Glove Recycling

    Having a resource to transport gloves from the locations where they are used to the centralized collection point (a trailer at the Physical Plant) would help boost participation in the glove recycling program. Staff and volunteer resources are being explored at present.

  2. Weekly Update for Zero Waste

    Associated Project(s): 
    Achieve Zero Waste
    Styrecycle: Expanded polystyrene (EPS) recycling program [ARCHIVED]

    Hi Tracy—
    This past week, my zero-waste coordination activities were 

    • Finalizing updated instructions for participating in the battery recycling program
    • Updating battery and glove recycling locations in the iCAP portal
    • Coordinating with ISTC on relocating the styrofoam densifier from Midwest Fiber to ISTC
    • Communicating with a VWR representative on their participation in the Kimberly Clark glove recycling program 

    Best regards,

    Marya Ryan
    Zero Waste Coordinator

  3. RainWorks Challenge - call for participants

    Associated Project(s): 
    Green Infrastructure
    Independent Student Projects
    EPA RainWorks Challenge

    We are currently looking for more members for the EPA's Campus RainWorks Challenge. We will be looking into green infrastructure projects that could be implemented on campus.

    "The Campus RainWorks Challenge seeks to engage with undergraduate and graduate students to foster a dialogue about responsible stormwater management and showcase the environmental, economic, and social benefits of green infrastructure practices."

    We have a interdisciplinary team of faculty advisers. Our primary faculty adviser will be  Professor Arthur Schmidt from Environmental Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering.

    We are also hoping to have an interdisciplinary team, so all majors are welcome, as long as you have a passion for the project. 

    Teams will be finalized on September 30th. If you're interested in joining or have any questions, please contact Jessica Wiegand at jmwiega2@illinois.edu or Cindy Chen at cchen161@illinois.edu.

  7. Weekly Update

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    All, last week’s big news was the implementation of a new sign-in system that expedites the process and allows for better tracking of our members’ status (expired or current memberships). The new system scans membership cards, I-cards, and drivers’ licenses, tracks first visits, and requires zero interaction with a keyboard, saving minutes of valuable time and keeps things from bottlenecking at the entrance to the space when people are arriving. While there is a learning curve, those who’re familiar scan and record their visit in about 5 seconds as opposed to the usual 15-30 with our previous system.

    The program is still in development and kinks/concerns are addressed with the developer as they arise. The system does not track names, however, unless you are in our database system already. If that is a problem, as far as the University is concerned, please let me know so I can correct it.

    To the numbers:
    Visitors: 129
    Sales (overall): $2,200.20
    Bikes (refurb): 3 for $620Bikes (B-a-B): 3 for $304
    Memberships: 20 for $635
    Tires/Tubes: 40 for $208

    This week I will build bikes, attend a Volunteer Fair on Tuesday, and coordinate/organize for Light The Night. I anticipate continued high visitor numbers, as the weather continues its summer ways.

    Sincerely,

    • Jake Benjamin
      Campus Bike Center Manager

  8. Meeting Notes - 9-18-2017

    Associated Project(s): 
    iCAP Working Group (iWG)
    Green Lab Program
    Energy Conservation and Building Standards (ECBS) SWATeam

    The iCAP Working Group met and discussed the following items:

    1.     Welcome to New Members

    2.     SWATeam Updates

    3.     Green Labs Program Update

    a.     Overview of Green Labs Concept

    b.     History of SWATeam Recommendation and Assessment

    c.      Green Labs Best Practices From Peer Institutions

    d.     Open Issues for Discussion

    Attached Files: 

  11. Weekly Update for Zero Waste

    Associated Project(s): 
    Achieve Zero Waste

    Hi Tracy—

    Here are my zero-waste activities from the past week: 

    • Contacted battery recycling locations for updated permissions to post drop-off locations on the iCAP portal and F&S website. Updated the iCAP portal in line with the responses I have received thus far.
    • Sent drafts of glove recycling program materials to Morgan, Anna, KC representatives, and Fisher representatives to review for accuracy and feedback. 
    • Followed up on leads for resources to transport gloves to the trailer at the Physical Plant. 

    Best regards,

    Marya Ryan
    Zero Waste Coordinator

  12. ECBS SWATeam Meeting Minutes

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy Conservation and Building Standards (ECBS) SWATeam
    Illini Lights Out
    Green Lab Program
    Eco-Olympics

    The Energy Conservation and Building Standards SWATeam gathered for the first meeting of the FY2017 on September 12. The team briefly reflected on the progress made thus far (e.g. Zero Net Growth policy was passed in 2015 and a 30% campus-wide energy reduction goal was achieved 3 years early). Updates on current projects were also presented, such as on the new leadership of the Illini Lights Out program. 

    Attached Files: 

  13. Weekly Update

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center
    Mechanics Classes at the Campus Bike Center

    All, last week was fine. The student workers are getting into the swing of things. Those that were away for the summer are remembering how everything works and that in turn makes them a more helpful. Our suspension of “First Visit Free” has been received well; most people are amenable to the membership fee, even if they only have a very small repair. Only a couple instances of people complaining and they leave unhappy but on the whole I consider it a success. We’ve had a lot of people who’ve had to wait significantly for stand time even with the membership-required policy. It’s unfortunate, but also speaks to our success and the demand for the space. I’ll count it as a positive and a negative both.

    Visitors for the week: 154

    Last Friday we had a good-sized ride from the CBC totaling about 8 or so people. This time of year is especially well-suited for riding, which I hope translates to more interest.

    Last Tuesday was the first Fix-a-Flat class that Simon and Lily ran. From the both of them, it sounded like a success. This week 12-14 people have signed up, most appear to be grad students (not a bad thing).

    This week I will continue to publicize and talk up LTN as well as print off some basic text fliers for the event to hand out in advance. Funnily enough the younglings with their smartphones have been asking for fliers for the event! I’ll build bikes and organize, per usual, as well.


    Sales (overall): $1,533.10
    Bikes (refurb): 0 for $0 (we have two for sale!)
    Bikes (B-a-B): 2 for $143
    Memberships: 24 for $720
    Tire/Tubes: 47 for $283

    • Jake Benjamin
      Campus Bike Center Manager

  15. Follow up on "parent ID" question

    Associated Project(s): 
    Battery Recycling

    The "parent" ID number for Call2Recycle should no longer be used. It was used for tracking payment as well as shipping addresses, and continued use could result in battery collection boxes being shipped to the wrong location on campus. Unfortunately, dropping the ID number means that we won't be able to obtain centralized reports of volumes of recycled batteries.

  17. Weekly Update for Zero Waste

    Associated Project(s): 
    Achieve Zero Waste

    Hi Tracy—

    This past week, my zero-waste activities were as follows: 

    • I completed mapping where all the outdoor waste bins are. I scanned in the maps, uploaded them to Box.net, and shared the folder with you and Morgan. I also created a spreadsheet with the counts of how many bins are mapped on each sheet and what the totals are.
    • I sent updated battery recycling instructions to Steve Breitweiser to post on the F&S page about battery recycling and posted related updates to the project history on the iCAP portal. 
    • I had a phone call with Shantanu Pai at ISTC regarding glass recycling and glove recycling.
      • For glass recycling, I told him that for now, Housing is willing to provide pickup service to buildings on campus. He mentioned a couple of alternatives, but they would involve the Waste Transfer Station sorting and storing glass. My understanding is that you don’t have any current plans to have the Waste Transfer Station take on that activity.
      • With regard to glove recycling, Joe Pickowitz could pick up gloves at collection sites and transport them to the trailer at the Physical Plant. However, ISTC would need to charge for his time. I will follow up with you and Morgan about whether that is a possibility and if so, how it would be paid for. 

    Best regards,

    Marya Ryan
    Zero Waste Coordinator

     

  19. Weekly Update

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center
    Mechanics Classes at the Campus Bike Center

    All, last week was a blur! According to our sign-in data, we had 277 visitors. That seems high but numbers don’t lie. We were pretty much all-stands-full within the first half an hour. Unfortunately that means some members have had to wait for stands to work on their build-a-bikes. Nothing we can do about that, unfortunately.

    The numbers:
    Sales (overall): $1,867.60

    Bikes (refurbished): 1 for $180
    Bikes (B-a-B): 1 for $46
    Memberships: 26 for $780
    Tires/tubes: 47 for $244

    This week sees the beginning of the fix-a-flat class that Lily has shepherded into existence (Thanks, Lily!). I already have told people about that to much positive interest. There also is a community ride happening in the middle of the week that I will attend. I will also help with LTN preparations this week. A couple new student workers are starting this week, too, which will be good.

    • Jake Benjamin
      Campus Bike Center Manager

  20. Weekly Update for Zero Waste

    Associated Project(s): 
    Achieve Zero Waste

    Hi Tracy—

    Here’s what I was up to this past week: 

    • I’ve come very close to finishing the maps of the trash bins, with just 3 of the 14 sheets left to wrap up next weekend when I’m back in town again.
    • I talked to Michael Olinger at Housing. They are willing to pick up glass for recycling from the Wounded Vets Center and other buildings when we are ready. I introduced Michael to Nick Osborne at Wounded Vets via email so that Michael can arrange a site visit. Midwest Fiber is charging $80/ton for glass drop-offs. Michael will consult with Dawn Aubrey about what the expectations would be for cost sharing on the part of buildings that Housing picks up glass from. As we work through setting up Wounded Vets, I am writing up a process for setting up buildings with glass recycling so that it can be replicated as we add more buildings.
    • I learned that it’s best if we don’t ask units to use the Call2Recycle site ID when they order battery collection boxes. It could muddy the waters with regard to who is responsible for payment and where the boxes would be shipped. Therefore, the instructions in the iCAP portal are fine as they are. This coming week I will send them to Steve Breitweiser so he can update the F&S page on battery recycling.
    • The potential volunteer for transporting gloves from labs to the trailer referred me to Shantanu Pai. Shantanu had to postpone our call this week, so hopefully, I will learn more from him this coming week about who may be willing to help with transportation. I learned that over the summer, Michael Olinger had sent a trailer load of gloves to Kimberly Clark. 

    Best regards,

    Marya Ryan
    Zero Waste Coordinator

     

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