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Campus Organizations
Campus groups working for sustainability:
ASUM Student Sustainability Coordinator -- organizes and supervises opportunities for students to work on sustainability projects at UM, particularly those initiated by the Sustainable Campus Committee. For more information on student sustainability research & action opportunities, contact coordinator Jessie Davie
UM students recognize that transportation issues are critical to the well-being of the campus and community, and support this program with their fees. On campus, this office provides transportation options. Off campus, this office provides students with a representative on local transportation planning boards. Members of the ASUM Transportation Board work on pedestrian safety, alternative fuels, better transit service throughout the community, bike paths and trails, bike/ped advocacy, road diets, and roundabouts. At the web site, you'll find a bike check-out program, local transit information, incentive programs, bike maps, bike information, carpool message board, recreation rideboard, a long distance rideboard, and a nationally recognized demonstration project "The Bio Bus" which runs on bio-diesel fuel made in part from used grease from dining services.
Community Student Gardens
Dedicated to using gardening as a means of connecting students with the land, with each other, and with the greater Missoula community. Plots are available for rental in the student garden.
Advisor: Neva Hassanein, UM Environmental Studies, 406-243-6271
Environmental Action Community (EAC)
EAC is dedicated to educating and empowering UM students to work on sustainability on campus & beyond..
Advisor: Vicki Watson 243-5153. For a schedule of EAC events, see: the Community Conservation CalendarMontana Public Interest Research Group (MontPIRG) -- a student directed, state-wide, non-partisan, non-profit group working for a clean and healthful environment, strong consumer protection, an open and accountable government and social justice. The UM chapter offers students the chance to learn real world civic and leadership skills. MontPIRG's mission is to deliver persistent, results-oriented public interest activism that protects our environment, encourages a fair, sustainable economy, and fosters responsive, democratic government. MontPIRG offers internships for class credit. Contact UM campus office 406- 243-2929, <info at montpirg.org>
UM Facilities Services' Student Sustainability Coordinator
This part-time student coordinator organizes and supervises opportunities for students to work on sustainability projects at UM, particularly those that relate to UM operations under Facility Services. For more information on student sustainability research opportunities, contact Facility Services' student sustainability coordinator, Emily Peters
UM Student Chapter of American Fisheries Society
This student chapter works on fisheries issues, aquatic ecology, stream restoration, river clean-ups, redd counts, etc).
UM Student Chapter of Society for Conservation Biology
This student chapter works on biodiversity issues, projects & public awareness
UM Office of Environmental Health and Occupational Safety
The UM Office of Environmental Health and Occupational Safety continues to work in the areas of safe use and disposal of hazardous, biohazardous and radioactive materials. Other services include industrial hygiene, indoor air quality, food service sanitation, and environmental consulting for campus. For detailed information on programs, policies and procedures, visit the departmental website at www.umt.edu/research/eh/UM Recycle and the UM Recycling Oversight Committee
In 2006, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality revised its Integrated Waste Management Plan and set a target of reducing Montana’s solid waste going to landfills and incinerators by 22% by 2015. UM estimates that it is already diverting 18% of its waste from the landfill, but has set a goal of diverting 25% (that is, exceeding state targets). UM offers 100 % recycled paper at its printing & copy facilities, sells surplus materials to the public, provides several recycling locations on campus, and recycles all materials accepted by local recycling companies. Surplus electronics are sent to a reputable recycler; no e-waste is sent to the landfill. UM composting efforts are described here.
UM recycling data from 1991 through June 2006, was analyzed to estimate the amount of waste diverted from landfill, energy & materials saved, and pollution reduced (using an EPA recycling benefits calculator). Findings include: Over 3000 tons were diverted from the landfill during this period. As a result of the materials that were not extracted & processed, almost 3200 tons of air pollutants were not produced (mostly CO2 and methane)-- equivalent to taking over 1700 cars off the road. In addition, about 12 tons of waterborne pollutants were not produced. Paper recycling saved 24,000 trees. Energy savings was 82 billion BTUs, enough to power over 780 homes for a year. Documentation of these and other savings will contribute to UM’s efforts to reduce its carbon emissions and shrink its ecological footprint.
UM Recycle is run by UM Facilities Services and employs about 10 recycling students to collect & sort recyclable materials from 88 recycling bin stations on campus and at family housing. UM Recycle receives about 80% of its funds from a student recycling fee ($4 per student per semester). UM Recycle funds cover 35-40% of two full time staff who work part time on recycling, and 100% of a student recycling intern position. Check out our website where you will find a Monday to Friday pickup schedule, a guide to what is and is not recyclable at UM, and the Waste-Wise Presentation available for presentation to departments around campus.
If you feel other groups should be on this list, send justification, link, etc, to
Chair of the Sustainable Campus Committee (scc AT mso.umt.edu)