The existing baler at the Waste Transfer Station cannot handle plastics beyond #1 and #2. Thus, UIUC requires a new baler before the university can increase the types of plastics collected and ultimately recycled. In order for Facilities & Services (F&S) to purchase a new baler, they first need to conduct a conceptualization study, analyzing cost, construction, and maintenance. The Student Sustainability Committee funding provides support to F&S to conduct the necessary conceptualization study. Once F&S completes this study, they will make plans to expand plastic baling to a wider range of plastics.

This project seeks to strengthen student understanding of the farm-to-fork food system. This project's main goal is to upkeep, collection, and summarization data from the Woody Perennial Polyculture (WPP). The WPP was a student-initiated effort that was established on the Student Sustainable Farm in 2012 with support from the SSC and other campus entities. By completing this analysis, WPP will expand its educational outreach, increase student engagement, and better connect with campus Dining Services. This funding provides student and staff time so that WPP can expand its efforts after a detailed analysis.

Red Oak Rain Garden 2.0 restores the original Red Oak Rain Garden that was established 10 years ago to address the flooding issue between McKinley Health Center and Allen Hall. Students will work alongside faculty, staff, and community members to plant specific plants that provide multi-season flooding protection. This project aims to increase awareness surrounding horticulture and natural flooding management while addressing an infrastructural issue on campus.

The Student Sustainability Committee provides financial support to purchase plants, signage, training materials, and hardscape. The plant species are specifically chosen for maximum efficiency and learning. Likewise, the signage will allow the passerby to identify native species. University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners will support the garden while students are on academic breaks and provide Red Bison, a student-led organization, with rain garden training.

Stay Glassy looks to target glass bottles, an abundant and unused resource in the Champaign-Urbana community, to create a product that will benefit the community. By working with underserved members of our community to create a viable marketplace product, Stay Glassy achieves two goals: reduce glass waste and create meaningful employment in Champaign-Urbana. This semester, the project is changing scope from educating the community through "at home'' glass up-cycling workshops to focusing on a glass repurposing business. Project associates should expect to work on aspects of business development and product innovation.

The Student Sustainability Committee funded project supplies and workspace.

The Student Sustainability Committee funded Local Grains and Locally Processed Foods for Dining Services in October 2017.

This project aims at developing methods that promote locally processed grains for U of I students. This project connects to the Vegetable Crop Farm, FSHN Pilot Plant, and Sustainable Student Farm, offering the final puzzle piece required to offer campus grown grains to UIUC community members. This project will purchase reusable containers to transport grains, and other campus products, between campus farms and campus processing facilities. Moreover, project leaders will analyze both taste and nutrients for Vegetable Crop Farm product.

The SSC funding will go directly towards:

1. Reusable storage containers
2. Analysis equipment

On November 7, 2017, the Student Sustainability Committee held a full committee meeting. SSC discussed subcommittee operations, a shift in the executive board, a scope change from Space Systems, and takeaways from different conferences. This is the last full committee of the Fall 2017 semester.