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Office of Sustainability
Enhancing Educational Experiences within the Office of the Dean of the College
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Welcome Back to Campus
Welcome to another exciting year for sustainability at CC! In the wake of COVID, the Office of Sustainability (OOS) is thrilled to see a renewed focus on the importance of sustainability at CC, finally with some sense of normalcy. Through our internship program and associated volunteer initiatives, students are leading by example, as evidenced by our hugely successful CC Pantry Exchange, our various recycling programs, compiled annual sustainability reports, and a lot more. However, while we celebrate our achievements, we’re also mindful of the pressing issues that demand our attention. Sustainability extends beyond the environment; a truth being witnessed on a global scale as well as within our campus community. While we make strides toward individual goals, we recognize the need for a comprehensive approach, both on our campus and globally.
So, as we begin another academic year, our work gets renewed purpose as we welcome the next class of sustainability leaders. It's the prospect of effecting change - the opportunity to mentor, nurture, and learn from our students - that gives us the energy to start fresh each fall, knowing that as our students graduate and embark on their personal and professional journeys, their impact grows well beyond our campus. It is this “multiplier effect” that fuels the passion of our office - the knowledge that our efforts catalyze exponential change through our students. Their journey becomes our legacy. Here’s to another year of growth, learning, and transformative sustainability.
- Director of Sustainability, Ian Johnson
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Meet the New Team
For those of you who are new to Colorado College or if you just need a quick reminder, we’d like to introduce you to our staff. The OOS efforts are spearheaded by two key individuals, Director Ian Johnson, and Sustainability Coordinator Mae Rohrbach. Through strategic planning and prioritizing, empowering students through education, building resiliency and climate action, optimizing campus operations, and cultivating connection and collaboration, Johnson and Rohrbach work to ensure that Colorado College continues to meet its sustainability targets and be a model for sustainability at higher education institutions worldwide. If you ever have a question or comment, you can reach the office at sustainability@coloradocollege.edu. Next, the office also consists of six student-led teams: Administrative Assistants, CC Exchange, Communications, STARS, Emissions, and Waste Teams. Finally, that leaves us with one of our most vital members—the volunteers! Read more about how to become a student volunteer below.
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Volunteer With Us
Are you a student passionate about sustainability and looking to take a more active role in driving change here at CC? Look no further than the Programmatic Volunteer position within the OOS. This volunteer position allows you to work alongside a team of OOS interns, learn new skills, and understand the process behind making a positive impact on our campus community. If your goal is to become an OOS Student Employee in the future, this position offers a fantastic way to become accustomed to the work that we do in the office. If you are interested, apply by Wednesday, Sep. 6, at 11:59 p.m. to start making a difference!
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Encapsulate yourself in the wonders of Colorado's intricate water system with the first Sense of Place tour of the year: The Colorado Water Tour during Block Break 1, hosted by the OOS! From Sep. 20-22, embark on a unique journey as we uncover the inner workings of Colorado's vital water systems. Explore reservoirs, study pipelines, and witness agriculture in action along the Lower Arkansas River. After a day of exciting exploration, relax at the luxurious Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort, where water serves as a source of recreation. This three-day, two-night adventure includes comfortable lodging at the resort, a captivating hike around Hoosier Pass along the Continental Divide, and exclusive access to behind-the-scenes tours. Make sure to sign up soon as spots will fill up quickly as this tour is highly sought after year after year. Register todayjoin us on the Colorado Water Tour for an unforgettable experience that will deepen your appreciation for the life-sustaining water of Colorado! Learn more about this trip and future Sense of Place tours.
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College Move-In Success
Thank you to everyone who participated in last semester's Ditch the Dumpster event. It was an enormous success! For those who are unaware, Ditch the Dumpster is a program organized by the OOS in partnership with Residential Experience, where students are encouraged to refrain from discarding unwanted belongings and instead donate new or gently used items, including clothing, dorm room items, food, and school supplies. Last year, CC collected thousands of pounds of donations during Ditch the Dumpster. Some of the items generously donated by students, were kept over summer in the CC Exchange and given out to students at the beginning of the year. The OOS partnered with International Student Orientation, and incoming international students had the opportunity to acquire essential items such as hangers, fans, desk lamps, binders, and more.
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Alternative Transportation Options
Did you know that cars are one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and, in the United States, make up close to 20 percent of our annual emissions? Luckily, Colorado College has sustainable transportation alternatives that you can start utilizing today!
- PikeRide: Students, Staff, & Faculty
- The ZEB: Students, Staff, & Faculty
o Planning to go to Downtown Colorado Springs, but don’t want to walk? Look no further than the ZEB, a FREE shuttle service that runs every 7-10 minutes along Tejon Street.
- Outdoor ED: Students, Staff, & Faculty
o E-bikes and "fat" bikes (mountain bikes) for low-cost rentals are available during Gear House hours. If you own your own bicycle, the Bike & Ski Co-op is available to support your equipment maintenance needs. The Co-op also has U-locks, bike tubes, and tires for sale.
o Want to go even farther off campus? The Mountain Metro Transit (MMT) system provides students with FREE, year-round rides to a variety of destinations all around Colorado Springs. Jump on with your CC ID! Want to visit Trader Joe’s or Costco? Take Bus #19, which runs every 30 minutes. Feeling adventurous? Take Bus #9 to the Downtown Terminal and connect to Bus #3, which will take you to the historic resort city of Manitou Springs! With so many routes to choose from, where will you start your MMT journey?
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Website for More Information
Sustainability is not optional at Colorado College and as such we aim to make CC a model for sustainability at all levels while honoring the economic, social, and environmental narratives of our complex ecosystem. To begin or continue your sustainable journey with Colorado College, we encourage you to take some time to read through our website.
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Follow us on Social Media
At the OOS, we're on a mission to make a positive impact on our campus community and planet, and we invite you to join us! To stay up to date, we encourage you to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook @ccsustainability.
Have a great and sustainable Block 1!
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