It's Time to Think Sustainably: Green Organizations at Purdue

By -

As engineers, we have the innate need to add to and make better. Cars, rockets, WiFi, irrigation systems, pharmaceuticals, prosthetics -- any field you name, we have likely left our footprints. However with today’s increased threat of global warming rising  to 1.5C-2C above pre-industrial temperatures, it is more crucial than ever, the actions we take as engineers are mindful of our rapidly changing world.

Members of the Sustainability Council at a Composting Event

Now, that’s some hefty information to understand. So let’s start at the beginning, where can you find people at Purdue with these interests?

  1. Air and Waste Management Association (PAWMA)

    1. This professional organization hosts a variety of activities catering towards learning about different environmental causes such as water quality, remediation, and management methods.

  2. American Society of Agricultural & Biological Engineers

    1. Are you an Agricultural or Biological Engineer? This is the place for you! This scientific organization focuses on the development of agricultural, food, and biological systems through engineering practices and is a great networking opportunity with professionals in the field.

  3. AQUEA: American Water Works Association (AWWA) and Indiana Water Environmental Association (AWEA) 

    1. Water insecurity is a global problem -- how can we ultimately make water safe and attainable for everyone? This chapter encourages students interested in water related issues to pursue their passions in their academic and professional careers. 

  4. Boiler Green Initiative (BGI)

    1. BGI currently focuses on projects centered in recycling and water management here on Purdue’s campus and in the greater Lafayette region. It’s a great starting point if you would like to get more involved in our local community!

  5. Botany Club

    1. Want to explore plant biology further? Here are the people you want to meet! No prerequisite of being a biologist necessary, just interest in creative projects, discussions, and nature walks to better understand the scientific and cultural importance of plants, fungi, and algae. 

  6. Chemical Engineering Sustainability initiative (CSi)

    1. Make change within the Forney Hall of Chemical Engineering by encouraging and fostering sustainable thinking within the undergraduate, graduate, and faculty populus! 

  7. Engineers for a Sustainable World (ESW)

    1. This club focuses on integrating sustainability-oriented designs into projects within Purdue and the greater West Lafayette region. Go check out their bicycle project used to produce zero electricity smoothies and their efforts to reorganize the recycling systems in place in our city!

  8. Environmental Science Club (ESC)

    1. ESC aims to accomplish three goals -- to learn from professors and field experts, to get involved in community projects and restore local areas, and bond with your fellow members through recreational nature activities.

  9. Green Greeks 

    1. 20% of undergraduates are members of a fraternity, sorority, or cooperative. This is a great demographic to increase sustainable development  by getting Greek housing more involved!

  10. Horticulture Society

    1. Another great plant and horticulture community to get involved with! Hear from guest speakers, recruiting companies, and get to bond with members through different events, parties, and sales.

  11. Purdue Student Sustainability Council (PSSC)

    1. Make Purdue more sustainable through working in committees targeting food waste in residence and dining halls, manage energy in buildings, build a machine to recycle 3D printed filaments, get involved in climate action in the Greater Lafayette region and more! 

  12. Purdue University Meteorological Association (PUMA)

    1. This is a unique club if you’re seeking out opportunities and support in learning  about the academic and career path of atmospheric sciences!

  13. Purdue University Geological Society (PUGS)

    1. Going from the sky back to Earth, this is another unique club which delves into geological sciences! 

  14. Society of Environmental and Ecological Engineers (SEEE)

    1. Find support within the Environmental and Ecological Engineering program to find like minded individuals increasing awareness efforts amongst students, faculty, and alumni.

  15. US Green Building Council Student Group at Purdue University (USGBC Student Group)

    1. Study, research, and find ways to adopt environmentally sustainable designs into constructing and operating buildings. Start learning these practices on campus, and get ready to expand them beyond in your career! 

  16. Purdue Carbon Neutrality

    1. Though not a club, this Carbon Net Neutrality movement is a collective effort currently being pushed forth by most organizations listed above.  


There are so many different ways to learn beyond our class walls and get involved in our community. Being involved in green organizations on campus has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my time here at Purdue, and I hope this helps you find a similar passion! 

Harini Radhakrishnan, ChE '23

Recruitment Project Committee


Stay Connected With Purdue WIEP!

Facebook: Purdue Women in Engineering

Twitter: @purduewiep 

Instagram: @purduewiep

Blog: purduewiep.blogspot.com

Email: welink@purdue.edu



Use the hashtag #PurdueWIEP on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!


Purdue Women in Engineering

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Understanding Purdue Housing

By -
Image
One of the many concerns incoming freshmen have is what to do regarding their housing options. In addition to the roommate selection process, you may be interested in seeing your on-campus options in terms of amenities and the communities available within the building. For example, when I accepted my admission to Purdue as a freshman, I knew I was interested in a standard double that I had experienced at a summer college program. To ensure my University Residences housing, I applied to Vertically Integrated Projects so that I would be able to pursue a research project as a freshman while also guaranteeing my housing within Earhart Hall through the connected learning community. For more information on learning communities, read our previous blog! Many freshmen will live in a residence hall, even if they are not in a specific learning community. Now, as a Resident Assistant or RA in Earhart Hall, I have been trained on the term “residence hall”; our halls go beyond a traditional “dormito
Read more

Top 10 Extracurriculars Purdue Students Want You to Join Outside of Engineering

By -
Image
1. Purdue University Dance Marathon (PUDM):  The biggest student-run organization on campus! You can join as a dancer, where you get to fundraise leading up to the 18-hour long event or be even more involved and join a committee! Some of the committees include Riley Relations, where you fundraise to sponsor events for the Riley families throughout the year & are paired with a Riley family for the night of the event, Special Events Committee, where you organize 5K’s and other events around campus throughout the year, and so much more! 2. Boiler Gold Rush (BGR):  Whether it be as a new student, a team leader (TL), or even a Supervisor, there are so many ways to get involved with BGR! This week-long event is held the week before classes start in August. As a new student, it is your first chance to meet your new colleagues and participate in many games, fountain runs, and other fun activities throughout the week. It is also a great way to familiarize yourself with the campus an
Read more

A very (sub)objective review of dining options at Purdue

By -
Image
Jenn and her friends after the Thankgiving dinner Food is an integral part of our day. For some people, the very first thing they do in the morning is eat breakfast. I personally prefer my cup of coffee to a stack of waffles. Nonetheless, food has the power to pick up a bad mood, enhance a good mood, and even ease the stress you are feeling about exams and homework. The awareness I have of how food impacts my mood is recently found since I started college in August. at home I usually came home to my mom or dad making something delicious in the crockpot. Suddenly I arrive at college and there are so many options that it can get overwhelming at times to figure out what to eat. Navigating the dining options at college did not seem like something I should have been worried about, yet it was something that took a month of experimenting to perfect.  The key is knowing where to go and what is consistent. I decided to help you out and give you some insight into how I view each dining option on
Read more