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NCSR Composting Project

Project Description

This project will significantly reduce this category from our waste stream. Using a compost tumbler will reduce the amount of coffee grounds, shredded paper, and food scraps that get thrown away, while providing an engagement and educational opportunity on waste and carbon reduction. Effective signage with clear visuals of what can and cannot be disposed of will eliminate confusion. Periodic inventories will be conducted and the data will be sent out to the participating offices to continuously engage the students, staff, and faculty. The nutrient-rich compost will enrich the proposed garden, an aesthetically-pleasing opportunity to recycle our organic resources. This program provides environmental stewardship education and hands-on learning opportunities, which will be an advertised example of office sustainability best practices. It is the intention that these efforts will encourage other offices and individuals to partake in similar programs to manage dayto-day waste and make alternative purchasing decisions (e.g., switching from purchasing K-Cups to using coffee pots).

Since various events and meetings are held in the NSRC building, the signage and collection sites will set a positive example for all who visit the building. iSEE interns and environmental/food waste RSOs will help maintain the tumbler and garden, keep track of the metrics, and document the steps of this program to eventually provide a framework to other offices interested in implementing a similar project. This composting program coupled with extensive educational efforts will encourage people in and around NSRC to become more conscious about purchasing, consuming, and discarding food. Reducing food waste encourages longterm sustainable behavior, which students, faculty, and staff can take back to their homes and share with their peers.

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Funding Details

Student Campus Environment Fee (SCEF) - 303692
Fiscal Year Status Amount Date Operations
2019 Allocated $6,000.00 12/17/2019 Edit | Delete

SSC Basic Info

Year Started: 2019
Semester: Fall
Status: Closed
Student Led? No
Project Category: Food and Waste

Associated iCAP Portal Project(s)

SSC Project Team

Project Lead:

Meredith Moore (mkm0078@illinois.edu)

Financial Advisor:

Meredith Moore (mkm0078@illinois.edu)

Illinois Green Fund - Student Sustainability Committee