Mini Projects (<$5K)

Rentable Reusables

Project Description

The ASUC Internal Department of Sustainability (IDS) intends to purchase a set of dining ware (plates, bowls, cups, silverware, etc.) for Cal Catering to store and rent out to Berkeley student organizations so that they can host zero waste events and meetings.

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PlateUp: Reducing Single-Use Plastic Takeout Waste

Project Description

The proposed project consists of surveying, identifying, and assisting (10) pilot restaurants in their transition from single-use plastic takeout boxes to compostables and/or reusables.

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Project Poster (coming soon!)

Clark Kerr Garden Expansion

Project Description

Many UC Berkeley students exhibit a serious need for access to fresh food. Cal Dining aspired to create a healthier, more equitable food system on-campus by providing access to fresh produce in the dining hall and the student food pantry, facilitating student leadership and experiential education, and connecting residents, students and the community as a whole to their greater environment.

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Bear Pantry Plots at the UVA Community Garden

Project Description

Grad and Family Living is seeking funds to cultivate a space for growing seasonal produce, which will integrate the Pantry with the UVA Community garden. Their initiative aims to improve the surrounding habitat as well as increase nutritional diversity, local sustainability and community building.

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Vertical Farming at Berkeley Prototype 1 Upscaling

Project Description

VFB is a non-profit, research-oriented organization with the ambition to establish the first and only vertical farm at UC Berkeley. With sustainability in mind, we aim to increase yield and resource efficiency by investigating symbiotic microbe interactions in a hydroponic environment and developing mechanical automation technology, from ECU-controlled water maintenance to labor-free planting/harvesting. Vertical Farming is the general idea of growing produce in a controlled environment with space, resource efficiency, and produce quality in mind....

BSFC Culinary Cultures Education Project

Project Description

This project aims to bridge the cultural disconnect in the BSFC's food prep service by hiring a Culinary Cultures Education Associate to do outreach work. The food prep system diverts food that would otherwise be wasted into cooked meals that are offered on a sliding scale of $1-5. Through this project, the BSFC hopes to help students understand the cultural history of their food and avoid perpetuating the white capitalist nature of our food system. Money will go towards the student salary, with a small amount going towards outreach material....

UC Gill Tract Community Farm Cultural Foods CBPR

Project Description

The UC Gill Tract Community Farm is seeking funds to begin a commuity-based participatory research (CBPR) project to address culturally relevant food needs of graduate students at University Village through their Bear Pantry. The insights from this survey will inform future food initiatives at the Farm and Bear Pantry

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FAST Sustainability Show

Project Description

Fashion and Student Trends (FAST) seeks funds to support a sustainable fashion show's transition to more ethical and eco-friendly resources. They will source sustainable make-up, fabric, and materials as well as compostable or reusables for food distribution.

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Graduate Outdoor Pals for Equity (GOPE) Workshops

Project Description

GOPE is seeking funds to support a series of workshops on edible gardening, foraging, and herbal medicine, specifically to engage with URM (underrepresented minorities), and FGLI(first-generation, low-income) graduate students. Their goal is to promote equity and inclusivity in outdoor spaces as well as build community and confidence in the outdoors.

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Optimization and Integration of Anionic Surfactant-Degrading Bacteria into Aeroponic Lettuce Systems

Project Description

Vertical Farming at Berkeley is requesting funds in order to research detergent-degrading bacteria to purify water for their farm. Their future goal is to supply fresh produce to eateries like Cal Dining.

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Project Poster (coming soon!)