We might not have the same sleek sunglasses as Horatio Caine, but the new Center for Student Sustainability Initiatives (CSSI), or as we like to call it, “CSI: Students,” is just as cool. Resulting from the mutual merger of the Undergraduate Student Government’s Campus Environment Department and the Sustainability Initiatives Group, and in collaboration with University Sustainability Practices, CSSI is poised to be the leading student group on the Tempe campus for engaging students in projects, initiatives, and events here on our campus.

With the fantastic support of the USG administration and USP, CSSI is able to reach heights never before attainable with the way student sustainability groups were structured. The widely-recognized “Green Team” volunteer force will be housed within CSSI and will expand its role to also include sustainable event management and aiding with the implementation of the Green Events guidelines, in addition to providing event recycling services. We will also be developing numerous other projects, events, and groups under the umbrella of CSSI. One program we aim to collaborate with University Housing on is the “Eco Devils” res hall sustainability reps; student members would serve as the go-to for questions related to sustainability in the halls and additionally put on events and aid with large scale programs such as Move-in and Ditch the Dumpster.

One of the areas we are really excited about is developing intern/liaison positions to the various student-centric groups and departments on campus (eg, the Memorial Union, Student Recreation Center, Student Organization Resource Center, ASU Athletics, etc). This program is still in its conceptual phase, but hopefully CSSI will sponsor one or more interns/liaisons the to various departments who will assist both in greening the operations as well as promoting and marketing sustainability within the different areas in exchange for course credit.

This year is going to fly by with all the incredible things going on in CSI: Students. We have opportunities for students of any level or background! Faculty, staff, and community members can even get involved by helping out with our volunteer opportunities or by aiding in any of our projects or initiatives. To learn more or to get involved in any of our efforts, email cssi@asu.edu to get on our list and keep up to date with the latest meetings and newsletters. Also, check our website at cssi.asu.edu in the coming weeks for our official site launch.

By Andrew Latimer