The University of Kentucky’s Student Sustainability Council is giving students a voice in campus sustainability, according to an April 16 announcement. The council, which began in 2010, manages the Environmental Stewardship Fee—an annual $4.00-per-student charge used to fund sustainability initiatives at the university.
This approach allows students to play a direct role in shaping environmental efforts on campus while learning skills for their future careers. Since its formation, the council has distributed over one million dollars for projects that address environmental, social, and economic pillars of sustainability. This year alone, nearly $200,000 will be allocated for new projects.
Projects funded by the council include undergraduate research opportunities, awareness campaigns, lecture series on sustainability topics, internships for students, study abroad experiences focused on environmental issues, and service-learning activities. The council also provides funding each year for several students to attend Bluegrass Greensource’s Sustainability Summit.
Sarah Butler, a freshman studying Library Sciences who recently joined the council after transferring to UK this spring, said: “I wanted something that I feel is gonna benefit everyone and not just me. And I felt like this was a really good cause to be a part of.” She credited her participation with helping her meet others passionate about environmental advocacy and making her more mindful about daily choices: “I definitely feel it’s helped reduce waste and educate people on ways that they can do that in just this setting here.” Butler added: “When you throw something away, it’s still going somewhere. It’s not just gone. It’s gone from your sight but it’s gonna be in someone else’s view. It’s still here.”
Bluegrass Greensource extends its efforts across 20 counties in central Kentucky by offering thousands of classes to over 100,000 students according to the official website. The organization encourages small changes among individuals that can result in significant benefits for local communities according to the official website. Its Lexington office hosts training sessions and workshops focused on sustainable practices according to the official website, while funding comes from monthly donations as well as community rewards programs and an endowment at Blue Grass Community Foundation according to the official website.
Jadyn is noted as coordinating volunteer efforts within Bluegrass Greensource according to the official website. The organization aims to deliver education and resources so central Kentuckians can create cleaner surroundings according to the official website.
The Student Sustainability Council continues its outreach through GreenTalks—a weekly radio show discussing recycling practices at UK and other topics—on WRFL 88.1 FM every Tuesday afternoon.
