College Council

The College Council is a program of the New York State Association for Reduction, Reuse, and Recycling designed to provide a forum for college students, staff, and faculty to share information about common challenges and best practices related to recycling, waste prevention, and other environmental issues.  The College Council is a membership-based program offering a number of members-only benefits, including its own listserve, an electronic newsletter, regional and statewide workshops, discounted memberships, and conference registration fees.  

Chair:  Celeste McMickle

COLLEGE COUNCIL STUDENT POSTER SHOWCASE

* SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY *

 

Calling All College Students! 

Join us at our 36th Annual Conference & Trade Show happening November 12-14th, 2025, at The Otesaga Hotel in charming Cooperstown, NY.   We are seeking abstracts now for those college students wishing to showcase their student posters demonstrating their research.     

The Invitation:

We invite undergraduate and graduate students from across New York State to submit an abstract of 300 – 500 words on their research, project, or student-led program (on- or off-campus) related to sustainable materials management (SMM). Posters may be on any topic relating to waste reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, and other SMM strategies, solutions, or challenges. Poster topics do not need to fall under the following categories to be considered. Emerging topics in SMM that are of interest include: 

  • Deconstruction is the concept of dismantling current waste management practices from demolition and exploring circular economy models for existing building materials. Students will present ideas for repurposing, upcycling, and diverting construction materials from the waste stream, envisioning a future where construction materials are viewed as a valuable resource for new development projects 

  • Plastic free campus is the practice of reducing or eliminating single-use plastics on college campuses. Posters in this category should highlight successful initiatives and strategies that can be implemented across college campuses to reduce plastic usage. By showcasing tangible alternatives to single-use plastics and promoting behavior change, students can inspire their peers to create plastic-free environments.

  • Microplastic alternatives aim to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of microplastics on the environment and human health. Posters in this category should explore viable alternatives to microplastic-containing or -releasing products, contributing to the mitigation of this global concern.

  • Fast fashion alternatives will address the environmental impacts of the fashion industry and identify sustainable alternatives such as second-hand shopping, ethical fashion brands, and conscious consumer choices. Students may also address textile recycling, discussing approaches to reuse or repurpose fabric scraps and worn clothing items. 

  • Recycling confusion or “Wish-cycling” is the practice of placing items in the recycling bin that may appear recyclable, but in reality, are not suitable for recycling. Students will demonstrate educational approaches aimed at raising campus and public awareness about the concept of wish-cycling and their local recycling guidelines.

  • Communication and outreach entails spreading awareness and engaging communities through various channels such as social media, educational campaigns, and community events. Posters in this category will effectively convey messages about waste reduction, recycling, and other sustainable practices to inspire individuals and communities to take action towards a more environmentally responsible future.

  • Social aspects of sustainable materials management will address community engagement and environmental justice considerations to responsibly manage materials throughout their life cycles. Posters in this category should aim to demonstrate how to apply collaborative approaches to engage diverse communities to maximize waste reduction, resource efficiency, and mutually-beneficial outcomes. 

The theme for the 2025 NYSAR3 Conference and Trade show is collaboration and engagement . We encourage students to incorporate how their project would support collaboration and engagement in their posters, but it is not required.

The Showcase: 

We can accept up to 10 abstracts and those selected will be invited to participate in the event to showcase a poster displaying their work. Posters will be on display on November 14th (during our Annual Conference, Cooperstown, NY) and students will have the opportunity to stand with their posters to share their work with attendees of the conference that day from 10:15 - 11:15AM. 

ABSTRACTS DUE:   11:59 PM (ET), October 17th, 2025

 

SUBMIT AN ABSTRACT


The Logistics: 

Poster 

If your abstract is accepted, you will have the opportunity to showcase your poster on November 14th.  Here is what that morning will include:  

  • 7:00 am – 7:30 am Poster set up. 

  • 8:00 am – 9:00 am Conference attendees can look at posters and students can network or attend other meetings taking place. 

  • 10:15 am – 11:15 am Students are expected to stand next to their posters during this time to share their work with attendees and answer any questions. 

  • 11:15 – 11:30 am Poster clean up.  

Posters should be 36”x48”paper with proper backing to support them on an easel.  Posters will be displayed on assigned easels provided at the event.

Posters should include:

  • Title

  • Name of student and any additional authors

  • Description of research/project/student-led program and goals

  • Methods used, if applicable

  • Results

  • Conclusions

  • Future direction of research, project, or student-led program

  • Bibliography, if applicable

  • Acknowledgements

  • College/University logo

  • Backing to support the poster