The Office for Sustainability provides three volunteer initiatives that allow students, staff and faculty to contribute directly to our waste minimization, civic engagement and food access goals.
UVA's Office for Sustainability (OFS) is dedicated to engaging our communities, stewarding our built and natural resources, and discovering ways to move toward sustainability and environmental justice at the University and beyond for generations to come. Over the past few years, students have expressed a growing interest in more service opportunities that align with UVA's 2020-2030 Sustainability Plan goals. Taking that feedback into account, OFS now provides three reoccurring volunteer initiatives that allow students, staff and faculty to contribute directly to our waste minimization, civic engagement and food access goals.
Student Garden Workdays
At the corner of McCormick and Alderman, UVA's Student Garden provides a convenient meeting point for conversations around food justice, sustainable gardening and community engagement. OFS Student Employees lead three workdays per week -- participants can expect to weed, water, plant and harvest. Volunteers get first dibs at produce, but any remaining harvested items are taken directly to UVA's Community Food Pantry in Newcomb Hall. You can learn more about workday schedules and general garden happenings by following our @plantbased_UVA Instagram.
Green Games
In alignment with UVA's ambitious waste minimization goal, OFS is adding concourse composting to all home football games. That means you'll see a Black Bear Composting tote next to recycling and landfill bins along the concourse. Most of the materials coming out of concessions stands are compostable, so we're looking for student volunteers to help monitor bins and engage with fans. Shifts last three hours, and all participants go home with an awesome UVA Sustainability T-shirt. Learn more and sign-up here.
Corner Cleanups
Each month, the OFS team partners with other CIOs and student groups around Grounds to organize community clean-ups. Participants collect trash and recyclables around the Corner area, and we discuss the importance of keeping our streets and waterways litter free. Our next Corner Cleanups are scheduled for October 23 and November 12, and any folks can volunteer at these events. Learn more and sign-up here.
- Want to learn more about upcoming events or general involvement opportunities? Send us an email at [email protected] and we’ll find a time to chat.
- You can also sign-up for our bi-weekly SustainaNewsletter to keep up to date with current events, news and all things sustainability.