Solutions to Environmental Problems (STEP)
Students in our Solutions to Environmental Problems (STEP) courses do more than learn about today’s most pressing environmental issues. They plan and launch real-world projects that advance sustainability on campus and in local communities.
STEP courses combine classroom learning and hands-on problem-solving. Faculty members guide students in exploring the ecological, historical, cultural, political, and economic contexts of environmental issues and how these intersect with social justice. Courses address critical areas such as energy, food systems, water, and climate action.
Students in STEP courses develop their knowledge and skills through hands-on experience as they design and implement projects to solve environmental problems. Guest speakers and field trips enable students to observe, gather ideas, and learn from professionals working in sustainability fields.
Course Outcomes
STEP courses help students develop vital career skills such as teamwork, communication, practical problem-solving, and project management. Participants gain experience conducting research, synthesizing information, developing project concepts, and presenting their results.
Some projects that started in STEP courses have grown into longer-term campus sustainability initiatives. For example, the following programs started out as student-driven projects in STEP courses.
Biodiesel Program
STEP students launched a pilot project focused on converting waste vegetable oil into biodiesel fuel. The effort required participating students to apply and expand their knowledge of chemistry, business planning, educational outreach, and proposal writing. Today, the Searle Biodiesel Lab is home to an ongoing program that reduces waste, generates renewable energy, and supports student education.
UnCap Loyola
Students in a STEP course explored alternatives to bottled water due to their concerns about water privatization. This project led to a two-year campaign driven by the Student Environmental Alliance and Student Government of Loyola Chicago. It resulted in a campus ban on the sale of bottled water and the installation of 50 water bottle refill stations.
Urban Agriculture
Students in STEP courses created some of the first growing spaces on campus, which evolved through the years into our Urban Agriculture Program. STEP students continue to support urban agriculture through projects from experimenting with techniques for growing mushrooms or microgreens to designing a drip irrigation system or native pollinator garden.
Get Involved
Students interested in enrolling in a STEP course should speak with their academic advisors for help selecting the section most appropriate for their interests and educational goals. STEP courses are:
- ENVS 350A – Solutions to Environmental Problems: Water
- ENVS 350B – Solutions to Environmental Problems: Biogas
- ENVS 350C – Solutions to Environmental Problems: Climate Action
- ENVS 350F – Solutions to Environmental Problems: Food Systems
Students in our Solutions to Environmental Problems (STEP) courses do more than learn about today’s most pressing environmental issues. They plan and launch real-world projects that advance sustainability on campus and in local communities.
STEP courses combine classroom learning and hands-on problem-solving. Faculty members guide students in exploring the ecological, historical, cultural, political, and economic contexts of environmental issues and how these intersect with social justice. Courses address critical areas such as energy, food systems, water, and climate action.
Students in STEP courses develop their knowledge and skills through hands-on experience as they design and implement projects to solve environmental problems. Guest speakers and field trips enable students to observe, gather ideas, and learn from professionals working in sustainability fields.
Course Outcomes
STEP courses help students develop vital career skills such as teamwork, communication, practical problem-solving, and project management. Participants gain experience conducting research, synthesizing information, developing project concepts, and presenting their results.
Some projects that started in STEP courses have grown into longer-term campus sustainability initiatives. For example, the following programs started out as student-driven projects in STEP courses.
Biodiesel Program
STEP students launched a pilot project focused on converting waste vegetable oil into biodiesel fuel. The effort required participating students to apply and expand their knowledge of chemistry, business planning, educational outreach, and proposal writing. Today, the Searle Biodiesel Lab is home to an ongoing program that reduces waste, generates renewable energy, and supports student education.
UnCap Loyola
Students in a STEP course explored alternatives to bottled water due to their concerns about water privatization. This project led to a two-year campaign driven by the Student Environmental Alliance and Student Government of Loyola Chicago. It resulted in a campus ban on the sale of bottled water and the installation of 50 water bottle refill stations.
Urban Agriculture
Students in STEP courses created some of the first growing spaces on campus, which evolved through the years into our Urban Agriculture Program. STEP students continue to support urban agriculture through projects from experimenting with techniques for growing mushrooms or microgreens to designing a drip irrigation system or native pollinator garden.
Get Involved
Students interested in enrolling in a STEP course should speak with their academic advisors for help selecting the section most appropriate for their interests and educational goals. STEP courses are:
- ENVS 350A – Solutions to Environmental Problems: Water
- ENVS 350B – Solutions to Environmental Problems: Biogas
- ENVS 350C – Solutions to Environmental Problems: Climate Action
- ENVS 350F – Solutions to Environmental Problems: Food Systems