SLE Sustainability

MISSION

Dedication to promoting and advancing environmental stewardship throughout Student Life & Engagement (SLE) and Michigan State University (MSU) by providing a high level of leadership to meet the environmental stewardship goals of MSU and SLE. 

INITIATIVES

Pack Up. Pitch In.
The Pack Up. Pitch In. program is an important part of living in the residence’s halls. Originating over two (2) decades ago this program was established to divert unwanted items from students’ rooms away from landfills. Instead, it offers residents an opportunity to responsibly recycle materials and repurpose their belongings before leaving campus. Residents are encouraged to contribute clothes, shoes, household items and personal care items. All items go to the MSU Surplus Store and Recycling Center.

Food Donations
Throughout our history, SLE has been contributing to the local community by donating perishable and nonperishable foods. Through a range of programs, we gather food throughout the year, and it is put back into the community. 

Perishables are sourced from various locations including campus dining hall kitchens, Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, and programs conducted during holidays, semester breaks, and move-out. They are channeled to the MSU Student Food Bank and the Greater Lansing Food Bank, forming an extensive network that distributes to the local community.

Non-perishable food items are collected in the residence halls usually from the Combo exchange program included with the meal plan and are destined for distribution to both the MSU Student Food Bank and local community.

Learn more about MSU Culinary Services Sustainability Initiatives.

ECO REP FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Become an Eco Rep
The student Eco Rep Fellowship is designed for undergraduate students with a common passion for the environment to positively impact Michigan State campus through sustainability. They become student peer educators by fostering positive behavior within the MSU’s residence halls. To further enrich their experience, Eco Reps gain professional development and valuable connections with their peers. More information about the program and current Eco Reps can be found on the MSU Sustainability page. 

Share your passion for sustainability with the Spartan community and become an Eco Rep for your residence hall. In order to be considered, Spartans must be a current undergraduate student, live on campus, have a passion for the environment, and be an engaged, innovative, outgoing and self-motivated person. Interested Spartans should apply today!

Support Our Eco Reps
The Eco Rep Program is growing exponentially, leading to the need for flexible financial support which will allow our Eco Reps to educate more of their peers across campus on how to implement sustainable habits in their daily routines. Your gift to the Eco Rep Fellowship fund will help students enhance their college experience. Learn more about how to give.

Looking for a chance to give back to your local East Lansing community? Look no further than signing up to help the SLE Sustainability Department package non-perishable food items during the week of finals for both Fall and Spring semesters. Be on the lookout for the sign-up form which will be posted on the MSU Sustainability Instagram or reach out to Carla Iansiti (iansiti@msu.edu) the week before finals to receive the link.  

OUR IMPACT

In SLE, we strive to ensure MSU's long-term sustainability through innovative and balanced strategies that support stewardship, fiscal responsibility and partnership. For more information about our impact, visit the MSU Surplus Store and Recycling Center's website.

SLE contributes to MSU’s overall sustainability progress. The university’s effort to continuously improve in sustainability was recognized by achieving a Gold STARS rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). SLE efforts play a pivotal role in the university’s progress, particularly in the areas of student engagement, food and dining operations, and sustainable procurement.

Other MSU sustainable strategies supported by the division:

CONTACT

Need more information regarding our sustainable practices in the residence halls, dining halls and retail?

Contact SLE Sustainability Officer Carla Iansiti at sustainability@rhs.msu.edu.