Sustainability
Role and Mission
The Sustainability Committee works to strengthen our campus’s environmental ethic and empower students to tackle issues like climate change, waste reduction, and habitat loss. We welcome students from all backgrounds, whether you are experienced in sustainability or just curious and eager to learn. Driven by collaboration and creativity, we believe that if you are passionate about an idea, we’ll help you turn it into action. All ideas are welcomed, supported, and encouraged.
Projects
Semesterly Sustainability Market
Our signature event brings together 500+ attendees and 40+ vendors on the South Oval each semester. The Sustainability Market promotes second-hand shopping and everyday sustainable practices while supporting local and student-run businesses. This event is all about giving back to the community, increasing awareness of accessible sustainability efforts, and empowering students to engage in environmentally responsible choices in a fun, welcoming space.
Time4Change Yoga Class
Every year during Time4Change week, USG's Sustainability Committee collaborates with Time4Change to host a sustainable-focused yoga class designed to promote student well-being and environmental responsibility. Students can attend a guided yoga class and have the opportunity to receive a sustainably made yoga mat, reducing waste and supporting eco-friendly practices. The event emphasizes both environmental sustainability and sustainable personal well-being to support overall student success.
Sustainable Menstrual Product Initiative
We are currently collaborating with the President, Vice President, Student Life, and health-focused student organizations to replace menstrual products in campus restrooms with options that are more comfortable, effective, and environmentally friendly. Improving the quality of period products through both an accessibility and sustainability lens has been a long-standing goal of many student organizations, and USG is excited to help bring this initiative to fruition for students across campus.
Accomplishments
Sustainability Council
The Sustainability Council was formerly an unofficial coalition of sustainability-focused student organizations dedicated to promoting events, supporting new ideas, and sharing funding opportunities. Although the council was previously dissolved, the Sustainability Committee revived it during the 2025–2026 academic year to strengthen communication and collaboration between USG and student organizations. The relaunch began with the Sustainable Leadership Summit: a kickoff event focused on building the skills needed to lead a student organization. Today, the council meets monthly, distributes a monthly newsletter, and is currently planning a Sustainability Student Awards Banquet to recognize outstanding student leadership and impact.
Directors of Sustainability
Emma is a Co-Director of the Sustainability Committee. She is a 4th year Honors student studying Environmental Policy & Decision-Making with a minor in history on a Pre-Law track. Her favorite USG memory is the fall social at Ethyl & Tank her junior year!
Miles is a Co-Director of the Sustainability Committee. He is a 3rd year student studying Finance and is from Mansfield, Ohio. His favorite USG memory is hosting the Sustainable Yoga Event where they handed out 50 free sustainably made yoga mats!
Deputy Directors of Sustainability
Charlotte is a Deputy Director of the Sustainability Committee. She is a 3rd year student studying Political Science and History. Her favorite USG memory is putting on and planning events with her committee!
Millena is a Deputy Director of the Sustainability Committee. She is a 3rd year student studying Environment, Economy, Development, and Sustainability. Her favorite USG memory is last spring’s T-Shirt dying.
Violet is a Deputy Director of the Sustainability Committee. She is a 2nd year student studying Public Policy Analysis with a minor in Business Law & Public Policy. Her favorite USG memory is hammocking at her director’s house before the 2025 USG Fall Social.
Olivia is a Deputy Director of the Sustainability Committee. She is a 4th year student studying Information Systems. Her favorite USG memory was last spring semester’s Sustainability Market.
Projects & Policy
Our committee focuses on hosting events around campus that educate the student body on sustainability, as well as promote a greener campus! One of our biggest events is the Sustainability Market, which is every fall and spring on the Main Oval. This event brings in dozens of local vendors, which uplifts local businesses and allows for the student body to shop sustainably. We also bring in guest speakers, educating students on the important of the different aspects of environmentalism. Furthermore, we focus on writing policy, which calls on Ohio State to be more sustainable.
Resources
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Email: SL-USGSustainability@osu.edu
We bring students together to make campus more environmentally conscious while learning about various environmental issues. If you are passionate about sustainability or the environment, we invite you to join us!