Sustainable Gardening

What is Sustainable Gardening?

Sustainable gardening is a term that has no technical definition. It’s the concept of using gardening practices that cause no harm to the earth and its inhabitants while attempting to actually enhance it. Words that define “sustain” and “sustenance” are support, preserve, keep alive, maintain, reinforce, and nourishment. These words help paint the picture. By practicing sustainable gardening, you practice good environmental stewardship.

Start gardening sustainably

Get rid of fertilizers, weedkillers, and other pesticides. Reduce the amount of water you waste on creating the perfect lawn. Fill your garden with native plants. And use everything you can in your garden as much as possible. We must stop thinking of our gardens only as somewhere to have a barbecue or catch some rays. 

Instead, we need to consider the amount of garden space that takes up the country and consider the effect that it has on the world around us. From helping local pollinators to helping with erosion control and stormwater management, the right plants in the right garden can change how we impact the world around us. And it’s easy to participate no matter the size of your space, even patios can be wildlife attractions. And when we stop adding chemicals to the soil and plants in our sustainable gardens, everyone benefits, now and for future generations.

Sustainability Office are Hiring! 

Positions in the Sustainability Office provide a unique opportunity for students to impact the future of EvCC’s sustainable growth and management. Students working in the Sustainability Office are also responsible for assisting with developing and implementing future sustainability projects and programs at EvCC.

Participate on the Green Fee Committee as a voting member

Gather batteries and bulbs from campus recycling stations for proper disposal

Gather old printer cartridges from recycling stations, box up for shipping.

Help cover campus Sustainability events and work as backup of other team members

Sustainability Officer

Student chair of the Green Fee Committee (GFC)

Organizing and hosting the GFC meetings and events

Attend all ASB Senate meetings and provide updates to the ASB Senate

Prepares annual budget with the RCM for GFC, presents this to ASB Senate for review

Checks sustainability email and participates in outreach and email response

Data and Programs Coordinator

Checks and enters energy data through EnergyCap and utility invoices into EvCC Portfolio Manager profile

Checks sustainability email and participates in outreach and email response

Attends GFC meetings and events, reports any spikes or anomalies it utility use to RCM

For more information contact:

Student LIFE
Parks Student Union, Rm 209
Phone: 425-388-9561
Email: studentlife@everettcc.edu

How to Apply:

Fill out applications for the jobs you want to apply for by April 28, 2024:

Send any supplemental documents, such as a resume or cover letter to studentlife@everettcc.edu.
Free EvCC resources and resume assistance here! 

Email studentlife@everettcc.edu with any questions about your application. 

Requirements and Salary

Must be currently enrolled in 10 credits (unless otherwise described)

Must currently have a quarterly and cumulative GPA of at least a 2.5

Salary: $16.28 per hour

Hours: 12–16 hours per week (each position varies)
*RA compensation varies, see below for details.

To Apply Click here 👇

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdieKulF5OkzWZT-1r1BLS6kdHKCaMCslws07i3AByOydsrCg/viewform

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu

Simple & Sustainable Spring Cleaning Tips

With Spring just around the corner, we feel that there’s no better time than the present to start sprucing up our space. Not only does decluttering create a more mindful abode, but it can also contribute to your mental well-being. So, whether you like to clean room-by-room or tackle the entire house in one sweep, below are some simple and sustainable tips to get you through the season.

Use non-toxic cleaning products. Vinegar, water and baking soda can handle most daily cleaning needs. Use natural fiber sponges and cleaning agents that are biodegradable, phosphate-free, chlorine-free, and unscented.

One of our recent go-to’s has been making our own chemical-free cleaner. Not only is it all-natural, but it can also easily be customized with your favorite combination of scents. To make a standard all-purpose solution:

  • Mix 1-part vinegar to 1-part water in a glass spray bottle (plastic can occasionally react with essential oils, so it’s important to use a glass container)
  • Add 8-10 drops of your favorite essential oil
  • You can also add citrus peels to the above mix for extra cleaning power

Reduce paper use. Use rags instead of paper towels and wash them for reuse. Buy post-consumer recycled paper and recycle it when you’re done.

Repair instead of replace. Spring is wonderful time for a fresh start. But think twice before you throw out that perfectly good pair of shoes or piece of clothing from “last season.” The longer you use an item, the less virgin materials are needed to replace it.

Clear the Clutter by Categorizing

One of the most rewarding parts of cleaning is clearing out your closet. Start by separating all of your clothing into four categories:

  • donate
  • sell
  • throw-away
  • keep

Take your time when sorting and do your best to avoid creating a “maybe” or miscellaneous pile. Once you’re finished with clothing, move on to homewares.

Items that are still in good condition can be donated or gifted to a friend.

When it comes to donating, look locally for a no-contact option. Safely dropping off things you no longer use (but are still in good condition), will not only contribute to your community, but it will also help reduce your environmental impact.

Set Small Goals & Stick to Them

When it comes to cleaning, it’s best to commit. Setting small goals and sticking to them will make each task less overwhelming and motivate you to keep going. Start by making a list and cross things off along the way. If you live with others, cleaning can also be a fun group activity. Dedicate specific days and times to complete household chores with your roommates or family. Be diligent with daily projects and take comfort in knowing that almost no task will take as long as you think.

Master the Art of Organizing

Making sure that everything has a home will save you a lot of time in the long run. Spend a few minutes to walk around your home at the end of the day. Is there loose paper on the table? Are there dirty clothes in the living room? Assessing the state of your space is an easy indicator to your organizational needs. Here are some tips to help restore order: 

Laundry to Linens: Small baskets are a great way to keep household linens organized and looking fresh.

Pots to Pantry: If you find yourself needing a little bit of extra counter space, a wall-mounted shelf or rail is a stylish space saver. 

Magazines to Books: A small storage rack can lend a helping hand to stray publications, records, and books. 

Celebrate Successful Spring Cleaning

Once your checklist is complete, it’s important to celebrate a job well done! 

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu

Food Waste

Around 1.3 billion tonnes of food gets wasted each year with much of it ending up in landfill and contributing to climate change.

Food waste doesn’t just mean wasted food, it means wasted money, wasted water, wasted energy, wasted land and wasted transportation. Throwing out your food can even contribute to climate change. Discarded food is often sent to landfill where it is left to rot and produce methane gas.

Easy Ways to Reduce Food Waste

Many people tend to buy more than they need. Shop smart by creating a list and buy only what you need from your list.

Store food properly

Improper storage leads to a massive amount of food waste. Many people are unsure how to store fruits and vegetables, which can lead to premature ripening and, eventually, rotten produce.

For instance, potatoes, tomatoes, garlic, cucumbers and onions should never be refrigerated. These items should be kept at room temperature. The stems of leafy greens and herbs can be submerged in water. Store bread in your freezer if you think you won’t finish it in time. Do your part by choosing slightly imperfect produce at the grocery store, or better yet, directly from the farmer.

Save leftovers (and actually eat them too)

Leftovers aren’t just for the holidays. If you happen to cook a lot and you regularly have leftovers, designate a day to use up any that have accumulated in the fridge. It’s a great way to avoid throwing away food.

What’s more, it saves you time and money.

Make friends with your freezer

Freezing food is one of the easiest ways to preserve it, and the types of food that take well to freezing are endless.

For example, greens that are a bit too soft to be used in your favourite salad can be put in freezer-safe bags or containers and used at a later date in smoothies and other recipes.

An excess of herbs can be combined with olive oil and chopped garlic, then frozen in ice cube trays for a handy and delicious addition to sautés and other dishes.

You can freeze leftovers from meals, excess produce from your favourite farm stand, and bulk meals like soups and chilis. It’s a great way to ensure you always have a healthy, home-cooked meal available.

Pack your lunch

Although going out to lunch with co-workers or grabbing a meal from your favourite restaurant may be enjoyable, it is also costly and can contribute to food waste.

A helpful way to save money while reducing your carbon footprint is to bring your lunch to work with you.

If you’re strapped for time in the morning, try freezing your leftovers in portion-sized containers. That way, you’ll have premade, hearty lunches ready to go each morning.

Make a homemade stock

Whipping up a homemade stock is an easy way to reduce food waste.

Sauté vegetable scraps like the tops, stalks, peels and any other leftover bits with some olive oil or butter, then add water and let them simmer into an aromatic vegetable broth.

Compost if you can

Composting leftover food is a beneficial way to reuse food scraps, turning food waste into energy for plants.

While not everyone has room for an outdoor composting system, there’s a wide range of countertop composting systems that make this practice easy and accessible for everyone, even those with limited space.

An outdoor composter may work well for someone with a large garden, while a countertop composter is best for city dwellers with houseplants or small herb gardens.

The bottom line is that we all can reduce our food waste and there are endless ways to do so. By thinking more about the food your household throws away every day, you can help create positive change to conserve some of the Earth’s most valuable resources.

Even minimal changes to the way you shop, cook and consume food will help reduce your impact on the environment. It doesn’t have to be difficult.

With a small amount of effort, you can cut your food waste dramatically, save money and time, and help take some pressure off Mother Nature.

To Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu

Sustainable Actions for a Sustainable Future

Sometimes the process of becoming zero waste can seem overwhelming.

Whether you’re just starting to learn about it, or you’ve been working towards it for months now, you’ve probably figured out that it’s not something that happens overnight.

It’s hard to change the ways we’ve done things all our lives.

One of the most overwhelming aspects of modern life is knowing about major global-impact issues like climate change and plastic waste pollution and feeling like there isn’t much that We can do to really change things.

Take all that plastic we go through day in and day out. It’s about the stuff that comes with food and bottled drinks, cosmetics, carryout containers, bags and wrappers — more than 40% of all plastic made is packaging, which is used only once or twice before being thrown away. Don’t we feel at least a little guilty when we toss one plastic snack wrapper or coffee cup after another into the trash?

If not, maybe we should. According to a recent analysis examining global plastic waste generation between 2010 and 2016, the United States was responsible for more plastic trash than any country in the world. That’s millions and millions of tons of plastic waste. Per capita, that boils down to nearly 300 pounds of plastic trash per person(!) per year.

Will it be recycled? Some will, yes, but not that much. It’s estimated that only about 9% of plastic waste generated in the U.S. is recycled and that the rest ends up in landfills, incinerators and, unfortunately, marine environments such as rivers and oceans. And there, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, it will remain for hundreds of years.

How can we stop plastic pollution from filling our oceans and endangering wildlife and the environment? Simple: Every one of us, from world leaders and corporate leaders to individuals, needs to take urgent action to reduce how we use and dispose of plastic. 

Here are 9 of the best plastic-free products:

1. Reusable grocery bags 

Opt out of plastic bags at the market. Grab a tote bag — charity and thrift stores and online marketplaces like Etsy are great places to look, or learn how to make your own! 

2. Package-free haircare 

Shampoos and conditioners typically come in plastic bottles, which can be a nightmare for anyone looking to cut plastic waste out of their bathroom. 

Ditch the plastic and go naked with the solid shampoo bars and conditioners. Making haircare solid eliminates the need for plastic bottles, reducing the environmental impact enormously and saving tons of plastic from ever being produced or entering landfills. They’re easy to travel with because they are small and won’t spill in your bag, and they’re very easy to use.

Animal cruelty-free shampoo bars that last up to 80 washes. 

The zero-waste shop Package Free also has multiple options for package-free haircare. And if you’re not a fan of bar soaps for hair, the shop also carries refillable conditioners (packaged in aluminum) that are vegan and chemical free. Opt out of the pump and go for the cap for a fully plastic-free conditioner.

3. Reusable drinking straws

Plastic straws litter our oceans, causing harm to wildlife and are polluting our environment. How we can  solve this everyday problem?

You can find plastic-free straw options at Package Free and Public Goods

4. Plastic-free dish soap

Zero Waste Outlet offers a plastic-free vegan dish-washing block that can last you up to six months of use. You can also purchase its three-piece dish-washing kit that includes the soap block, a palm pot scrub brush, and a bamboo soap dish.  

5. Reusable water bottles

Instead of buying plastic bottled water or using disposable cups, try out a stainless bottle.

6. Reusable and plastic-free food storage and service

The easiest way to protect yourself is admittedly pretty difficult: getting rid of plastic food storage containers. No more pop-top plastic cereal containers or zip-top plastic baggies, no more reheating your soup in the quart-sized plastic takeout container it came in. It’s a big change to make, so we did our part by rounding up some of our favorite nonplastic food storage containers in stainless steel, bamboo, cork, silicone, glass, linen, and wood. Refrigerate, freeze, and microwave to your heart’s content.

7.Make laundry day plastic-free

Liquid laundry detergents packaged in plastic containers can be easily switched out for more environmentally friendly, natural soaps.

8.Waste-free skincare accessories 

Disposable cotton rounds and their plastic packaging are wasteful. The Waste Less Shop for reusable facial rounds, which come in two colors for different applications. The rounds come with a wash bag to keep things clean and plastic-free. 

Switch out the plastic shaving razors for reusable metal razors with replaceable blades instead.

9.Plastic-free oral hygiene

Innovative companies now offer plastic-free dental hygiene alternatives including tubeless toothpaste products and bamboo toothbrushes. Bite, for example, offers tube-free oral care tablets that come in glass jars and act in the same way that toothpaste does to clean your teeth and freshen your breath.

It can seem like a big ask at first, with everything seemingly wrapped up in plastic from food to everyday household products. The good news is that there are eco-conscious brands that want to reduce the amount of plastic you bring home. Finding replacements you can trust can feel overwhelming, but it helps if you know where to start looking.

To Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu

Styrofoam Recycling 

Did you know, it is estimated that styrofoam takes more than 500 years to decompose? Styrofoam has been around since 1941 – but most people are unaware of the harmful effects this petroleum-based product has on our population and our planet. How can a product that is 95% air create such a detriment to people and our planet? 

Styrofoam is made from a product called polystyrene, which is a petroleum-based form of plastic. Styrofoam is used in a variety of ways; from food packaging to packaging fragile products. A 2014 National Toxicological Program report on carcinogens classified styrofoam as a product which is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen – and has been linked to occurrences of leukemia and lymphoma cancer.

Over 5 billion pounds of styrofoam ends up in our landfills and waterways each year.

The world produces more than 14 million tons of styrofoam each year.

Americans alone, throw away around 25 billion styrofoam cups annually.

25-35% of all landfill waste is from styrofoam products.

40% of all styrofoam produced is used for food storage.

Styrofoam that sits in landfills releases methane gases that have over 20 times the ozone-destroying potency as CO2 emissions.

Styrofoam breaks down into smaller particles that marine animals can easily mistake for food.

Styrene, a component of polystyrene, is a harmful chemical that can leach into food and drink.

Less than 1% of styrofoam is recycled.

Global Goodness:

Simply say “no” to products packaged in styrofoam.

The majority of eco-friendly companies have chosen not to use styrofoam in their packaging.  

Purchase a reusable travel cup. Stainless steel or glass cups are a great alternative to to-go cups. 

If eating out, take your own glassware – or simply request a piece of aluminum foil instead of a styrofoam box.  

Planet Protector:

Buy Used. Need a new tv or computer? Look online, or at a used goods store to see if you can find the model you’re looking for. You will save the pesky packaging – and most likely a few dollars.  

Check with your local UPS store about styrofoam recycling. Many times they will recycle styrofoam or connect you with a company who will dispose of it safely for you.

Go to https://earth911.com for local recycling options. 

Repurpose it. Need to make an artificial flower arrangement? Want to insulate a dog house? Look online for creative ways to repurpose your styrofoam.  

Ask your local eateries to use eco-friendly packaging.

If styrofoam isn’t banned in your state or county, lobby Congress to ban styrofoam completely. Change can happen when individuals work together for a common cause. Go to https://storyofstuff.org/blog/styrofoam-bans-are-sweeping-across-the-nation/ to see which areas have current bans on styrofoam. 

Choose to be an Ambassador for Change, and always Spread Love and Spread Light.

In 2021, Washington State passed a new law (S.B. 5022) to reduce plastic waste and strengthen markets for recycled plastic. The policy bans the use of StyrofoamTM packaging in mid-2023, and StyrofoamTM food serviceware like takeout containers and foam cups in mid-2024. 

EvCC Styrofoam Recycling Event

EvCC Students for Enviromental Action (SEA) Club and Sustainability Department invites you to be an environmental hero! Bring clean styrofoam, packing peanuts in bags or boxes, bubble wrap and plastic film to be recycled–for FREE! If you are bringing styrofoam, please consider bringing a donation for the Marysville Food Bank of non-perishable food or monetary donations. We hope to collect as much styrofoam as possible; help us spread the word to your family, neighbors, and friends. 

Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Parking Lot F 10am-2pm

What We Accept
EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Guidelines
 Your material must be:
• Clean
• Dry
• Free of all tape and any labels so it does not contaminate the recycle process.
• Please bag your peanuts separately for drop off
• No contaminated material accepted.
• We will accept any amount, large or small. Sorry, no hot tub covers, please.

To Identify Your Foam:
• Look for the #6 or EPS inside the recycle symbol
• Bend the material – it should break and snap with loose beads

Polystyrene Examples:

Clean Styrofoam

Clean Takeout

Clean Polyethylene

Clean Shipping Coolers

Clean Styrofoam Sheets

Other Materials We Accept:

Packing Peanuts (in bags or boxes please)

Clear bubble wrap

Clear plastic wrapping (Clean & dry material only)

What We Do Not Accept:

Spray-in Foam

Insta-pak Foam

Grey Insta-pak Foam

Foil-covered Foam

Pink or Blue Insulation Foam (XPS)

Hot Tub Covers

More Info 

SEA Club is all about promoting environmental awareness and having fun while learning about current sustainability initiatives. For more information about this event please contact Laura Wild, Club Advisor at lwild@everettcc.edu

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu

Benefits of Zero Waste

What are the benefits of zero waste?

What impact does it have on you, your health, your household, the economy, the planet? 

While the switch to zero waste can be hard, there can be many benefits for you on a personal level as well as for your household in general, such as:

Improved physical health

Packaged food does not necessarily mean unhealthy food, but unhealthy foods often mean lots of packaging. 

Often the packaging is so thin that it can’t even be recycled. One of the zero waste health benefits is simply being forced to shop, cook, and eat healthier. What’s more, being made to slow down and think about what you’re buying at the grocery store creates a more mindful way of shopping, allowing you to make better decisions for the entire life cycle of the products you buy!

Improved wellbeing

Mindfulness has been shown to have various positive effects such as stress reduction, increased working memory and focus, less emotional reactivity, and more. Extend this concept to mindful consumption beyond food and drinks, and people are obliged to assess the products they clean themselves and their homes with.

Fewer toxic chemicals in your home

Zero waste cleaning and self-care products tend to have fewer potentially damaging chemicals (and fewer ingredients in general) meaning a happier, healthier, and more sustainable household. The same is often true for the packaging of these products, and waste reduction through the use of non-toxic materials in packaging (such as plastics and other petroleum-based materials) means fewer issues caused by microplastics in the local, national, and global environment. 

The ultimate goal of zero waste is to help people reuse, repair, and repurpose things that have come to the end of their life. By reusing rather than replacing you can save significant amounts of money, making it another zero-waste lifestyle benefit.

EvCC Styrofoam Recycling Event

EvCC Students for Enviromental Action (SEA) Club and Sustainability Department invites you to be an environmental hero! Bring clean styrofoam, packing peanuts in bags or boxes, bubble wrap and plastic film to be recycled–for FREE! If you are bringing styrofoam, please consider bringing a donation for the Marysville Food Bank of non-perishable food or monetary donations. We hope to collect as much styrofoam as possible; help us spread the word to your family, neighbors, and friends. 

Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Parking Lot F 10am-2pm

What We Accept
EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Guidelines
 Your material must be:
• Clean
• Dry
• Free of all tape and any labels so it does not contaminate the recycle process.
• Please bag your peanuts separately for drop off
• No contaminated material accepted.
• We will accept any amount, large or small. Sorry, no hot tub covers, please.

To Identify Your Foam:
• Look for the #6 or EPS inside the recycle symbol
• Bend the material – it should break and snap with loose beads

Polystyrene Examples:

Clean Styrofoam

Clean Takeout

Clean Polyethylene

Clean Shipping Coolers

Clean Styrofoam Sheets

Other Materials We Accept:

Packing Peanuts (in bags or boxes please)

Clear bubble wrap

Clear plastic wrapping (Clean & dry material only)

What We Do Not Accept:

Spray-in Foam

Insta-pak Foam

Grey Insta-pak Foam

Foil-covered Foam

Pink or Blue Insulation Foam (XPS)

Hot Tub Covers

More Info 

SEA Club is all about promoting environmental awareness and having fun while learning about current sustainability initiatives. For more information about this event please contact Laura Wild, Club Advisor at lwild@everettcc.edu

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu

Zero Waste at EverettCC Cosmetology 

As the world faces a serious global climate change crisis, it’s important – now more than ever – to stand up together and make change happen. 

We’re proud to have our Cosmetology team who are making an impact – one bag of beauty waste at a time. “Together, we’re showing our guests and our communities that we make beauty sustainable”

They are a part of Green Circle Salon, which is a company that helps divert waste from landfills. out hair clippings, single-use items, and metal. 

To learn more about  Green Circle Salon

Here is what they accomplished in 2023.

They recycled 173 pounds of waste that was recycled and reused. 

They recycled 48 pounds of metal, which is about 13.9 bikes.

They recycled 6 pounds of hair, which is about 440 haircuts. 

They recycled 117 pounds of single-use items, which is converted to 0.1 K Wh of clean energy. 

A zero waste approach can build community capacity, support marginalized communities and protect community health.

Going zero waste can help reduce localized pollution in neighborhoods, cities, and towns thanks to fewer deliveries and trips to the shop, as well as less trash being burned in incinerators and the associated greenhouse gas emissions. The same goes for landfills; less trash in the ground means more usable space and a reduced chance of toxins seeping into the local groundwater. Combined, this makes for happier, healthier communities with all of these factors also true on a global scale.

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu

Calendar for the budget preparation of the Green Fee Proposals

Are you a current student with ideas on how to make EvCC more sustainable? 

The EvCC Student Green Fee has funds available and will be accepting student proposals Jan 1st through Jan 31st, 2024

Submit yours to be a part of making EvCC a more sustainable place! 

For details and instructions or to learn about previously funded projects Click Here

In order to submit a proposal, please follow these instructions:

 First, download and save both the budget proposal form, as well as the SMARTS worksheet

Second, fill out the documents, saving them under the following format: ProjectPropsalName.Date.GreenFeeBPF and ProjectProposalName.Date.GreenFeeSMARTS

Finally, email completed documents to sustainability@everettcc.edu

Calendar for the budget preparation of the Green Fee Proposals.

To facilitate the handling of budget requests in preparation of the budget, the following dates will be adhered to:

January:

Opportunities will be provided for all members of the college community to submit budget proposals through the budget request forms. These forms will be sent to all organizational advisors and program directors including the Vice President of College Services. The budget for every project, program or activity must be developed by the students participating in the project, program or activity in conjunction with the appropriate advisor, coach or director. The budget request form should reflect the planned project, program or activity for the next fiscal year and shall be submitted to the Sustainability and Resource Conservation Manager and the ASEvCC Sustainability Officer by the published deadline (Late budgets subject to Student Green Fee Administrative Committee discretion).

February: 

The ASEvCC Sustainability Officer shall collect all budget request forms and prepare a master budget request. The Student Green Fee Administrative Committee shall also meet for a preliminary information discussion session(s) to establish goals and to develop schedules and procedures.

The Student Green Fee Administrative Committee shall invite the various advisors or student representatives to any project, program or activity requesting funding to present their proposals or, if they are from a current- funded program, their budgets. Presentations to the committee are mandatory if requesting a budget increase (written exceptions are subject to the Student Green Fee Administrative Committee discretion).

Requestors presenting to the committee will be scheduled and the scheduled sessions will be advertised by the ASEvCC Sustainability Officer and be open to all members of the campus community. Presentations will be limited to 15-20 minutes in length, including a question and answer period.

February/March:

Administrative Services personnel shall estimate the Student Green Fee revenue for the next fiscal year. The Student Green Fee Administrative Committee will determine a basic amount of revenue that are expected to be produced by each revenue-generating program. The sum of the Student Green Fee revenue and other program revenue will be the annual budget allocation. The Student Green Fee Administrative Committee shall meet to adjust the budget requests to the annual budget allocation.

March:

Account directors, advisors or other representatives of student groups requesting funding for a new program, project or activity, or submitting their budgets to the Student Green Fee Administrative Committee shall be notified in writing of the status of their budget and shall be advised of their

right to appeal. Appeals will be formally scheduled, and once heard, the Student Green Fee Administrative Committee will review them for possible adjustments.

April:

Two (2) open hearings will be advertised to the campus community so that viewpoints regarding committee recommendations can be heard.

The Student Green Fee Administrative Committee shall prepare a balanced budget and present its recommendations to the ASEvCC Student Senate at a budget hearing during a regularly scheduled meeting to be approved with a two-thirds affirmative vote.

The College President shall receive information regarding the budget as approved by the ASEvCC Student Senate.

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability www.everettcc.edu/green

Green Fee Funds

Are you a current student with ideas on how to make EvCC more sustainable? 

The EvCC Student Green Fee has funds available and will be accepting student proposals Jan 1st through Jan 31st, 2024

Submit yours to be a part of making EvCC a more sustainable place! 

For details and instructions or to learn about previously funded projects Click Here

In order to submit a proposal, please follow these instructions:

  1.  First, download and save both the budget proposal form, as well as the SMARTS worksheet
  2. Second, fill out the documents, saving them under the following format: ProjectPropsalName.Date.GreenFeeBPF and ProjectProposalName.Date.GreenFeeSMARTS
  3. Finally, email completed documents to sustainability@everettcc.edu

The funds generated by the Student Green Fee and all associated revenue, which is generated, are to be used as otherwise provided by law, rule or regulation of the Board of Trustees for the express purpose of advancing the sustainability goals of the College and the ASEvCC.

When authorized and approved in a manner consistent with this Financial Code, Student Green Fee funds may be used for, but shall not be limited to:

A. Projects, programs, activities or other opportunities for students and the campus community to engage in promoting or implementing sustainable practices in all campus operations.

B. Travel and per diem costs for students and staff members on authorized travel status while participating in sustainability related student programs, activities or conferences.

C. Salaries or compensation for students, who are employed by the Office of Sustainability, or as otherwise needed for temporary positions and internships relating to projects funded by the Student Green Fee funds.

D. Supplies and materials considered essential for the day-to-day operation of the Office of Sustainability, including those for outreach and education, such as general office supplies; collateral and give-away items; posters, flyers, and other advertising mediums; technology deemed necessary for student use within the Office of Sustainability.

E. Promotion of and limited support for curricular and co-curricular programs that have a sustainability-related education component.

F. Subsidies or supplements to campus programs, departments and services (including contracted services) if such subsidies or supplements result in improvements to students’ access to sustainability resources, education, or demonstrates the capability to make the services of a contracted vendor on campus more sustainable.

G. Dues for institutional memberships in recognized sustainability professional organizations, provided that the legality of such an expenditure is first established in consultation with the legal advisor of the College.

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability www.everettcc.edu/green

Green Fee Project Examples

Are you a current student with ideas on how to make EvCC more sustainable? 

The EvCC Student Green Fee has funds available and will be accepting student proposals Jan 1st through Jan 31st 2024

Submit yours to be a part of making EvCC a more sustainable place! 

For details and instructions or to learn about previously funded projects Click Here

In order to submit a proposal, please follow these instructions:

  1.  First, download and save both the budget proposal form, as well as the SMARTS worksheet
  2. Second, fill out the documents, saving them under the following format: ProjectPropsalName.Date.GreenFeeBPF and ProjectProposalName.Date.GreenFeeSMARTS
  3. Finally, email completed documents to sustainability@everettcc.edu.

Green Fee Project Examples

Many other colleges and universities in the Pacific Northwest (and nationwide) have taken to student fees to fund their sustainability and environmental goals. Here are some examples of projects they funded through these types of fees. Below are examples of projects that have been undertaken on other campuses, or potential project ideas generated by students for our campus.

Bike Rentals 

Bicycling is one of the most efficient modes of sustainable transportation in urban and suburban areas. Its a healthy and sustainable way to get around, and allowing students to rent bicycles has several benefits. Now with our two student housing buildings, a program like this just makes sense for our campus!

Climate Action Plan 

The climate action plan will build on our past progress and use the campus to confront the difficult questions posed by climate change and test promising new solutions that move the college, and the world, away from fossil fuels. 

It also helps students to understand and address the impacts of the climate crisis, empowering them with the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes needed to act as agents of change. The international community recognizes the importance of education and training to address climate change.

Eco-Scholarships

Some colleges have used the funds from their sustainability fees to offer mini-scholarships to STEM students, specifically those studying environmental sciences or engineering.

ADA Compliance and Improvements

Some colleges have invested in improving their accessibility standards for individuals with short and long-term disabilities. Sustainability isn’t just about protecting the environment, it also incorporates principles of social justice and equity, and one way to promote these principles is by removing barriers that may make it challenging for specific groups of people to achieve educational success.

Water Bottle Fill Stations

Did you know that in the United States alone, we go through enough disposable water bottles in one week to stretch around the globe two times. That’s a lot of plastic that ends up in landfills, estuaries and oceans. Though we already have a few water bottle fill stations, most buildings on campus still need to be retrofitted so we can continue to reduce our campuses reliance on disposable water bottles.

To learn more about Project Examples

Click here: https://www.everettcc.edu/administration/college-services/facilities/sustainability/evcc-green-fee/project-examples

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability www.everettcc.edu/green