Cybersecurity student detects need for sustainable bags on campus
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Students returning to campus this fall will discover an important change in Western Michigan University’s Dining Services thanks to a WMU Office for Sustainability grant awarded to cybersecurity graduate student Chandni.
The $4,560 Student Sustainability Grant will fund replacing single-use plastic bags with 100% recycled paper bags in WMU Cafes and WMU retail outlets Refresh Market, Fuego-Verde and Mi-Pi.
"The primary goal of this grant is to significantly advance recycling, reusability and the reduction of plastic waste across the university,” says Chandni. “By implementing this project, we aim to reduce the plastic waste of WMU by 120-160 kilograms annually.”
An international student, Chandni was surprised by the prevalence of single-use bags on campus after coming to Kalamazoo from India, which prohibits the production of most single-use plastics. After learning about the WMU sustainability grants from Dr. Beth Ernst, faculty specialist of business information systems, Chandni was motivated to apply and pursue her project.
“Figuring out what to use instead of plastic bags was the toughest part; it turns out compostable bags only break down properly under really specific conditions and with special handling,” explains Chandni. “Unfortunately, we don't have access to those facilities. So, after doing a ton of research, we finally found bags that are 100% recycled. Now we're not just trying to use less plastic, but we're also boosting paper recycling, which directly means we won't need as many new raw materials—basically saving trees.”
As an employee in WMU’s retail operations, Chandni turned to her manager for help researching the bags, connecting with management and securing approval for the project within Dining Services.
"We were thrilled that Chandni chose our retail operations as the avenue to pursue her passion for sustainability. Switching to a more sustainable bag is something we had been exploring for some time, and this project provided the momentum we needed to take that important first step," says Josh Balfour, assistant manager, retail operations. “Looking ahead, we remain committed to identifying opportunities within our operations that better align with the University’s sustainability goals."
In addition to her role in WMU retail services, Chandni teaches math courses at Kalamazoo Central High School. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Sant Baba Bhag Singh University, India, where she was a triple major in physics, chemistry and math. Before coming to Western to pursue her interest in cybersecurity, she taught math in India. After finishing her master’s degree in cybersecurity, Chandni is planning on a career in healthcare working as a cybersecurity professional.
The bags selected for Chandni's project are 100% recycled paper, containing zero virgin tree fiber, and can be recycled again. The post-consumer recycled material content differs slightly between the two bag sizes being implemented, falling within the overall range of 60-100%.
Learn more about the WMU Office for Sustainability Student Sustainability Grant program and WMU Dining Services sustainability efforts.
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.