A new school year means new opportunities, and we highlighted a few clubs devoted to sustainable life at Rice. Whether you're a new or returning student, check out this list for some ways to get involved! For a full list, see our webpage for student organizations.
College Committees
“Each college has the opportunity to put its resources toward helping the environment. This year, I’m serving as co-head of McMurtry’s Eco Committee. Over the academic year, we’ll put on events and initiatives that make McMurtry a little greener, like decorating reusable grocery bags and sampling organic foods. Since this is independently run through the colleges, environmental committees have freedom to focus on projects important to them. These are funded by the college itself and sometimes Housing & Dining. Not only does it offer a way to help the environment, you can get familiar with your college’s bureaucracy and get more involved in college life. Reach out to your committee heads if you have an idea or want to help with a project. It’s a small group, so your voice will be readily heard!” - Gennifer Geer, Communications Intern
Texans for Climate Change Action - TFCCA
“Texans for Climate Change Action (TFCCA) was founded in November 2016, with the main focuses of raising awareness for and implementing sustainability initiatives both on the Rice campus and in Houston. The organization consists of three subcommittees: Political Engagement, Events, and Scholarly Activity, with each focusing on a different aspect of climate change activism and advocacy. The Political Engagement Committee seeks out politicians and Rice administration and voices current climate issues, the Events Committee plans panels and discussions both on and off campus, and the Scholarly Activity Committee writes articles and pamphlets for public education. TFCCA is a great way to get involved in sustainability measures on campus tailoring to individual interests and strengths.” - Katherine Zoellmer, Sustainability Intern
Rice Harvey Action Team - R-HAT
"This semester, I’ve been volunteering with the Rice Harvey Action Team (R-HAT). It is estimated that Hurricane Harvey damaged hundreds of thousands of homes in the Houston area, the majority of which were not insured for flooding. In order to coordinate campus volunteering efforts towards helping the community with this great problem, the Student Association created R-HAT in collaboration with the Doerr Institute, the Center for Civic Leadership, and the Rice Graduate Student Association. I’ve been on the demolition and cleanup team, tearing down flooded drywall and insulation, as well as helping people prepare their houses for rebuilding. There are also opportunities to help the Houston Food Bank feed the many people displaced by the hurricane, as well as to help around the various shelters around town. As Houston continues to recover from Harvey, R-HAT is a great way to give back to the community and support it during this difficult time." - Emma Foster, Sustainability Intern
Rice Urbanists
“Our planet is rapidly urbanizing. In 1950, only 30% of the world’s people lived in cities. By 2009, for the first time in human history, more people lived in cities than in rural areas. By the year 2050, nearly two-thirds of the world’s people are expected to live in cities. This means that environmental issues and solutions will (continue to) be inextricably linked with urban issues and solutions. The Rice Urbanists, created in 2015, promotes discussion of urban planning and urban issues of all kinds, including environmental issues. As the group’s sponsor, I encourage environmentally-minded students to consider joining this important forum to better understand the link between urban and environment, and to explore the many issues that shape our cities.” - Richard Johnson, Administrative Center for Sustainability and Energy Management Director