Eco Columbia

The Environmental Protection Initiative at Columbia (EPIC) will be hosting their first meeting of the semester’s on Monday, September 19^th at 6:30pm. Join them in the Underground Café of 600 S. Michigan Ave to find out what they have planned for the fall and spring semesters.

Currently, they’re looking into volunteering at an urban garden, producing a printed zine revolving around green issues, and working with Food and Water Watch to tackle some key pieces of environmental legislation.

If you have any questions or ideas, contact Virginia Baker (virginia.ilda@gmail.com).

View photos from the student photographers on the trip.

Want to know the best thing about being in E.P.I.C.? Aside from meeting great people and contributing to environment change, you get to take advantage of opportunities you might not have had otherwise.

A few weeks ago, Columbia’s Recycling Program took us on a tour of the Recycling Services Inc. plant here in Chicago. We got a first hand look at where Columbia’s recycling goes and the process behind it.

When I paused from my picture taking, I saw what looked like a week’s worth of cardboard boxes and scraps of paper piled high. We learned that these piles of recyclables had come in that day alone, and that they’d all be gone by the end of the day. We also learned about some difficulties that the facility faces, such as having to sort out the items that aren’t recyclable, which takes more time and money. (more…)

EPIC's baked goods are both organic and vegan friendly.

In need of a snack between classes? Want a yummy treat for your study break? Student group EPIC is hosting a Bake & Crafts Sale to raise money for an urban garden on campus.

All of the items were made with organic ingredients and include vegan options such as trail mix, puppy chow, and brownie tops made with applesauce.

There will also be student art work for sale at the table, as EPIC has partnered with artists on campus who have agreed to donate a portion of their profits to the cause. This includes letterpress prints, screen-printed t-shirts, bottle cap jewelry, and soy candles.

They group will be at 618 S Michigan Ave today until 6:30pm.  Tomorrow, they’ll move on to 623 S Wabash Ave and camp out in the lobby from 12-7. Make sure to stop by for a treat in support of the good cause.