|
CLASP Program Promotes Sustainability on Campus
 A new sustainability
program called CLASP was recently
formed at the University of Houston.
CLASP stands for Community Learning
and Sustainability Program, and it
furthers the sustainability
initiatives implemented at UH.
CLASP’s stated mission is as
follows: “The University of
Houston's Community Learning
Agricultural Sustainability Program
strengthens our community bonds to
spread knowledge about the
cultivation of plants both native
and edible, and about sustainable
food choices.”
Thus, the group seeks to educate the
campus about sustainable practices,
particularly as it relates to
vegetation and food consumption.
CLASP is comprised of five programs,
including the Campus Community
Garden, the Composting Program,
Agricultural Sustainability
Discussion Circle, the Community
Partnerships Program, and Urban
Harvest classes.
The Campus Community Garden grows
vegetables for use in campus dining
recipes, and also serves to educate
the community about sustainable
choices.
The Composting Program involves
collecting nitrogen-rich food waste
from the dining halls and converting
it into fertilizer for the Campus
Community Garden.
The Agricultural Sustainability
Discussion Circle meets once a month
to read and discuss articles related
to agricultural sustainability.
 The Community Partnership Program
conducts educational and
emotional-learning activities in
on-campus gardens and compost
locations with partners in the
community. This program also
connects UH resources with Third
Ward community gardens.
Urban Harvest Classes are offered on
campus as The University of Houston
partners with Urban Harvest, a
Houston gardening organization. The
classes and panel discussions will
be offered at membership rates for
UH students and staff, and free
monthly panel series on local eating
will also be available.
Many of these programs are in need
of student support and involvement.
UH looks forward to pursuing
sustainable practices with the help
of a supportive community.
For more information about CLASP and
how to get involved, contact Leah
Wolfthal at 832.842.9051 or
lwolftha@central.uh.edu.
|
