Student Organizations Promote “Quick Ecological Fixes” on Campus
Students and student-run clubs play a crucial role in promoting and advocating for sustainability on campus. The ecological footprint of the University from printing and photocopying is significant. Recognizing this, Student Government (SG) took the initiative to make the JCU printing system more eco-friendly. In Spring 2025, SG successfully secured lower prices for double-sided copies, encouraging their use over single-sided copies to reduce paper consumption at the university.
SG Vice President Harman Singh emphasized that implementing this change was surprisingly easy, calling it a “quick ecological fix.” The IT Department responded immediately to SG’s concerns, and the reduction in cost for double-sided copies has received positive feedback. Professors have communicated this change to their students, and librarians have actively shared the initiative, ensuring awareness across the campus community.
Student Government is committed to aligning with the global sustainability agenda, particularly Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.5, which focuses on reducing “waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.” SG is working closely with the Sustainability Office at JCU to ensure that green initiatives are effectively implemented and leave a lasting impact on campus life.
More Green Initiatives on Campus
Student Government is also collaborating with other student-run clubs and organizations to promote environmental and social sustainability awareness. Throughout the semester, student clubs join forces to achieve a circular economy at JCU.
For example, at the end of every semester, the STAND Club, which focuses on social sustainability efforts, collects textbooks and paperbacks from students. During the first week of classes, the club hosts a fundraiser where students can purchase books at half price, and all proceeds are donated to refugee centers and charitable organizations.
The Grassroots Environmental Club leads various initiatives to drive a green transformation on campus. The club actively promotes sustainable practices through weekly cleanups around Trastevere, combating fast fashion, and advocating for a plastic-free campus. Each semester, Grassroots encourages students to donate gently used clothing. These items are then sanitized and displayed on campus, where students can take what they need in exchange for a donation. Additionally, the club provides reusable water bottles (available at the Frohring campus Front Office) and supplies compostable plates, cutlery, and cups for on-campus events.
Small actions can drive significant change. Student Government is confident that these initiatives will contribute to waste reduction and the long-term conservation of natural resources, reinforcing the University’s commitment to sustainability.
