University of Vermont
ER-T2-1: Student Group

UVM has a student organization called The Vermont Student Environmental Program (VSTEP) that is comprised of “concerned individuals dedicated to coordinating environmental activities on Vermont campuses and throughout the general public.” VSTEP has been a student-run non-profit club since fall of 1988. The organization, along with a class, helped to draft a solid waste management plan for the university in the spring of 1989, which helped to expand the university’s recycling program. Their goal is to foster sustainability on campuses through the state and help disseminate information through networks. Their focus is on environmental education, activity, and research. The group meets every week in the university student center and is open to new members. Bike Users Group (BUG): the Bike Users Group (BUG) of the University of Vermont strives to increase bike accessibility, knowledge, and infrastructure for the shared benefit of our physical and environmental health. BUG aims to provide a bike sharing program and student run bike shop where everyone from bike enthusiasts to beginners can find education on bike maintenance, safety, and the benefits of emission-free transportation. Common Ground Farm: Common Ground is a three acre organic farm located at the Horticulture Research Center. We are a student run educational farm providing students the opportunity to plan and manage their own CSA and growing season. The club hires four full time workers and two part time workers in the summer to support almost sixty CSA shares worth of vegetables for faculty, staff, and dining services.

BUG set up bike maintenance hubs around campus, more bike racks, and is working on a biking sustainability campus plan. Common Ground farm sets up CSA pick up shares on campus..