The Center for Environmental and Urban Studies has a new name and logo. The Sustainability Center is more descriptive (and easier to roll off the tongue). We have also added a new position, Gwen Larned as Recycling Specialist, and we hope to keep you updated on sustainability issues through this new periodic newsletter. If you have questions or need assistance with recycling please email Gwen at Recycle@smc.edu.
NEW Campus Composting Pilot Program
As you may have heard, the City of Santa Monica has a new Mandatory Composting Program which started January 1st, 2022. This is due to CA Senate Bill SB 1383, which will require SMC to divert 75% of compostable material from landfill by 2025.
Currently, SMC grounds team composts all green waste from trimming grass and plants around campus, and the Vermitec machine, located on main campus, has been handling much of the food waste from cafeteria vendors' food prep waste for the past 20 years. To do our part to be compliant with SB 1383 we are now expanding compost collection to departments!
To pilot this new aspect of the composting program we will begin onboarding departments on a volunteer basis! If you’re department would like to get a green bin for collecting food waste please email Recycle@smc.edu. All participating departments will be required to complete an all-staff zoom training to learn about what can be composted.
Compost bins will be emptied by the SMC Recycle Team.
We’re Hiring Student Employees!
Recycling Team
Help collect and sort campus recycling and compost, and teach the campus community about how to strive toward zero waste.
Federal work study financial aid required. Onsite Work. $15 / hr, 10 hrs per week.
Organic Learning Garden
Garden managers maintain the campus garden by planting and harvesting crops, weeding, composting and other projects. Garden managers also teach the campus community about sustainable agriculture practices.
Federal work study financial aid required. Onsite Work. $15 / hr, 10 hrs per week.
Sustainability Internship
Remote Work only. Flexible schedule
Email recycle@smc.edu to apply!
Employees Get Paid for Eco-Friendly Commuting!
Through the Employee Incentive Program you can earn up to $30 per month by commuting by foot, bike, scooter, bus, train, or carpool.
Staff and Faculty, still get unlimited free rides on the Big Blue Bus. Get your winter Big Blue Bus Pass on your phone now.
Students can now get a GoPass,which gives themunlimited rides on Metro, BBB, and 5 other transit agencies, when they pay their Student Benefits fee. Spread the word to students who need it.
Winter Energy Efficiency Reminder:
LA may not be a winter wonderland, but while the temperatures stay low through the month it’s important to remember to practice energy efficiency! Please keep windows and doors closed to prevent heat from escaping buildings, and bundle up in your favorite sweaters instead of using a space heater. Communicate with facilities if your work space temperature needs to be adjusted.
