MPH Students Competing for UT System Sustainability Funding
What began as a project for 16 MPH students in Dr. Gabriel Ibarra-Mejia's fall 2017 Environmental Health course has quickly evolved into a substantial sustainability initiative that has the potential to shift the current practice of the use of plastic bags throughout the UTEP campus.
The students' Pick Green – One Less Bag initiative was recently submitted for consideration by the UT System's Green Fund program. The Green Fund model has been implemented in several universities across the nation, including the University of Arizona and Harvard. Among UT System campuses, UTEP has been them most active applicant. If approved, the Pick Green group will receive over $20,000 to purchase and distribute reusable foldable totes to students, faculty and staff. Students for Public Health, a student organization affiliated with the Department of Public Health Sciences, will spearhead this initiative by distributing the totes at major University events and providing educational materials on the use of plastic bags and associated harms to the environment and marine life. In keeping with the sustainability goal, all marketing for the campaign will be digital.
The students will receive feedback on their application and a notification if they were funded by early spring 2018. Best of luck to our talented, innovative and environmentally conscious students.
Go Pick Green and Go Miners!