Sustainability Volunteer Opportunities
WKU Office of Sustainability
The Office of Sustainability garden, through its Garden Commons Initiative, is a community garden available to students, faculty, and staff. Student garden volunteers can help build new raised beds, plant/weed, or conduct research on best practices within the garden. No experience is necessary. Tools and gloves provided.
The WKU Food pantry located in the Office of Sustainability provides students, faculty, and staff free access to non-perishable food items. Pantry volunteers may stock and organize donations, organize a food drive, or assist in helping individuals find external resources to meet their food needs.
WKU’s Food Recovery Network chapter is housed at the Office of Sustainability. Student members of this organization volunteer to recover surplus food that would
be discarded from multiple campus restaurants at closing time five days per week. Volunteers package the surplus food and transport it to nonprofit organizations in
the community that feed people in need. Contact wkufoodrecovery
- Office Assistants
Office assistants assist with smaller projects and tasks within the Office of Sustainability. Jobs may include creating graphics and editing office documents, as well as essential clerical work.
Contact Dr. Leslie North at leslie.north@wku.edu for more information and to volunteer.
WKU Resource Conservation Volunteer Opportunities
This program engages student organizations and community groups in cleaning Smith Stadium and Diddle Arena after each football/basketball game, and other large events, in exchange for $500. Please visit our website for program details and to register. Minimum group size required.
- Surplus: On-Campus Opportunity
Surplus manages the reuse, donation, recycling, and sale of all used items on campus. From computers and electronics, to artwork, furniture and office supplies, Surplus is WKU’s treasure box! Volunteer opportunities include community outreach, sales, marketing, organizing, and more.
- Recycled Computer Program, Surplus: On-Campus Opportunity
All computers no longer being used at WKU, must be processed to make sure they are fully functional and wiped clean of the previous users content. Volunteers interested in computers are needed to help wipe computer memories, test the functionality of computers, install new operating systems, and assist in distributing computers to their new users.
Help promote recycling during each home football game! Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the day on Game-Day Saturdays, and Sundays following the game between 9am – 2pm. Assignments include handing out recycling bags to fans tailgating, assistance with signage, and preparing Smith Stadium.
WKU collects over 1,000 pounds of food waste every day from WKU’s Dining Locations. Food waste is composted at the WKU Agriculture Research & Education Center and then sold to the public; 75% of the revenue from compost sales goes toward student scholarships! Volunteer opportunities include cleaning compost carts and selling finished compost.
Contact Beth Gafford at elizabeth.gafford@wku.edu for more information about any of these opportunities.
You may also contact leslie.north@wku.edu for assistance.
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