The University of Chicago Environmental Center:
A History

• In 1987 the Environmental Concerns Organization was formed to fight against a toxic waste incinerator that the Univeristy planned to construct in Woodlawn.
• In 1988 a graduate student was able to begin a pilot recycling program at the University called UCRecycle.
• In 1990 ECO conducted an environmental audit of the University that showed how the Univeristy was impacting the environment. The final report from the audit suggested in detail how the University could make improvements in its environmental policies.
• Also, in 1990, petitions were gathered to open an environmental center.
• In 1992, the Environmental Studies Major was established with Ted Steck as Chairman.
• In the summer of 1993 and the 1994 school year, the Environmental Center became a reality.
• In 1999, the Green Campus Initiatve formed prompted by building construction on campus.
• In 2001, Green Awareness in Action formed.