Dow Sustainability Innovation Student Challenge

The Dow Challenge will award ONE student or student group at Northwestern University a $10,000 grand prize for their work to develop innovative approaches to meet human needs while also protecting the environment, promoting economic growth and achieving social welfare, now and into the future. A runner-up prize of $2,500 will also be awarded.

Proposed research projects should be interdisciplinary in nature, blending applied science or engineering with business thinking. Areas of interest include: 

Sustainable Chemistry, Energy Efficiency/Conservation, Climate Change, Life Cycle Product Safety, Human Health and the Environment, Sustainable Freshwater Supply & Distribution, Environmental Policy Development & Human Behavior Change, and Sustainable Infrastructure.

**Deadline for application is May 18.**

nuCuisine begins composting in campus dining halls 

After two years of planning, Elder Hall implemented a kitchen composting initiative April 30 as a pilot for the campus-wide program scheduled to begin in the fall. 

Compostable materials, such as preparation waste and leftovers from plates, will be collected and sent to a compost facility run by Veolia Environmental Services. Students are encouraged to leave food waste on their plates upon return while composting is coordinated by staff in the kitchen. 

nuCuisine plans to station compost bins near tray returns for student use in the future, said Pam Yee, district marketing manager for nuCuisine. She also said there are plans for campus organizations to help educate students about composting.

Read more about the campus composting program here.

Find out more about ESW's composting initative with the City of Evanston here.