History

Seven members founded Sustain Mizzou in 2004 out of the ashes of a defunct Sierra Club.  Since then, the student-run nonprofit group has formed their own identity as leaders on the MU Campus and in the community of Columbia.

Here’s a brief timeline:

• February 4, 2003: Jared Cole and six members founded Sustain Mizzou.
• Fall 2005: Tiger Tailgate Recycling began as a cooperative effort between Sustain Mizzou, Anheuser-Busch Recycling, MU Landscape Services, MU Athletic Department, and the City of Columbia.
• Spring 2007: Under Ben Datema’s leadership, we added two more positions to the executive board for a total of six.
• February 2009: Sustain Mizzou chooses to support the passage of the sustainability fee, which passes with 80% of the vote.
• Fall 2009: Sustainability Office opens.
• Fall 2010: Student Sustainability is added as a new division in the Department of Student Life.
• Fall 2010: Sustain Mizzou holds its first-ever benefit concert, Gulf Sounds, which raises almost $1,500 to support relief efforts in the Gulf.
• Fall 2011: The Sustainable Living and Research House, or, Sustainahouse opens with six residents.

Today, we have over 50 active members!