Oregon State University
ER-T2-1: Student Group

The Student Sustainability Initiative mission is to support student efforts to create a sustainable community at OSU through action, education, and opportunity. Objectives: * Reduce the ecological footprint of the OSU community. * Connect students' innovation and energy with the resources and skills need for them to succeed. * Identify and help implement best practices through collaboration and research with OSU and the greater community. * Manage student funds responsibly. * Diversify and integrate with the OSU sustainability community. * Model a transition toward sustainable practices through renovations on the Student Sustainability Center Objectives are implemented through: * Volunteer opportunities * Project leadership opportunities * Community building events * Experiential learning * Strategic investments * Grassroots organizing training * Relationships with faculty, staff, and administration At the SSI we work to comply with our mission statement through the financing of internships, grants, activities, projects, and work parties. The SSI has helped fund: * Interns on the restoration of Oak Creek * The renovation of the Student Sustainability Center * The Green Roof Project * Composting on campus * Energy efficiency studies * Permaculture learning garden * Sustainable food projects * Corvallis/OSU Bicycle Coop

Energy Civil War An annual competition held between the University of Oregon and Oregon State University since 2009, the Energy Civil War uses elliptical exercise machines at each of the recreational centers to see which campus can generate the most electricity in a week. The event spreads awareness of the electricity generating power of the ellipticals and renewable energy information in general. Edible Container Gardening Workshops These hands-on planting workshops taught students how to start and maintain their own edible container garden. In addition to empowering students with the skills to grow their own food in limited spaces, the workshops aimed to reestablish the connection between farming, food and health. Bicycle Extravaganza This annual event, held in mid-May on the Memorial Union Brick Mall, brings together numerous bicycle-related groups from across Corvallis, providing everything from free tune-ups and registration to cycling club membership and decorations. Sustainable Film Festival Throughout April, the SSI hosted a series of four films to start discussions about some of society's most pressing issues: nuclear energy and waste storage, globalization, and environmentally safe food. Each film was followed by a different opportunity for viewers to learn more, get involved, and voice their opinions.