Our Projects

The CEC has lots of different projects and committees. From gardening to policy to recycling, we like to say "we have a little something for everyone." The committees are really where the work gets done in the CEC so please check out each of our committee and project websites to see what we're up to and what you'd like to get involved with.

What the CEC year looks like:

End of August

Trash to Treasure- The CEC puts on its annual Trash to Treasure garage sale where we collect items from the students moving out in May and sell them back in a massive garage sale during move it. This is the CEC’s main fundraiser, and we have the opportunity to save tons (literally) form the landfill while doing it.

September

Officer Orientation- In September, the CEC gets started for the semester. Orientation gives all the new officers to get a chance to get to know each other as well as get introduced to the workings of the CEC.

Info Sessions and First General Meeting- Info sessions give people a chance to feel out the CEC and get an idea of what we do and how we work. We also have our first general meeting. General meetings are for meeting like-minded people and discussing local, national, and global environmental issues. Weekly meetings continue throughout both long semesters.

Earth Summit- Earth Summit typically consists of a daytime event, such as our Clothing Sale, and a forum or guest speaker on an environmental issue directly affecting UT. It’s a good way for the general student body to be introduced to CEC as well as fulfilling one on of our goals which is to educate the public.

Trash to Treasure Clothing Sale (Late September early October) - We sell the clothing left over from Trash to Treasure (lots) on the FAC patio for $1/item. Everything we don't sell goes to charity.  

Ink Recycling- Ink and toner recycling runs during the long academic semesters.

October
Committee Meetings- by this time, all of our regular committees are having weekly or biweekly meetings. Check our home page and calendar for times and locations.  
               
Energy Challenge Kick-Off Event- This event introduces our Do it in the Dark Energy Challenge.

November

Do it in the Dark Energy Challenge- URHA and CEC partner on an energy challenge for all the campus residence halls. The dorm that reduces their energy the most in relation to their previous consumption  gets a prize. Every resident can also individually pledge to do certain things in their dorm to reduce energy. Pledges are put into a raffle for more prizes. 

America Recycles Day- CEC celebrates America Recycles Day with public education and giveaways.

December    
      
In December, we have our last round of meetings and sometimes an end of the year get-together for our members.

Ink recycling STOPS for the winter break, but can/bottle/paper recycling continues.

January

We kick January off similarly to September with officer orientation, our first general meeting, and info sessions. Ink recycling also begins again this month.

February

Earth Summit

March 

April

Earth Week- During the week that Earth Day falls on we put on our largest event of the year; Earth Week. Every day of the week we have a different sustainability focused message. We also usually try to end with a large event that can bring the campus together, and in 2010 we’re planning an Earth Day concert on April 22. It’ll be our biggest event yet.

May

Trash to Treasure Donation Drive- This is when we collect the stuff for the garage sale in August. The drive starts in the last week of finals and goes through graduation weekend. Anyone can donate!

Ink Recycling stops at the end of finals, but can/bottle/paper recycling continues.