Division of Administration and Finance
University Services
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alexandra McGuffey
University Services Communications Coordinator
832-842-4722
avmcguffey@uh.edu
CLASP PROGRAM PROMOTES SUSTAINABILITY ON CAMPUS
Houston, March 4, 2010 – A new sustainability program called CLASP was recently formed at the
University of Houston. CLASP stands for Community Learning and Sustainability Program, and it
furthers the sustainability initiatives implemented at UH.
CLASP’s stated mission is as follows: “The University of
Houston's Community Learning Agricultural Sustainability
Program strengthens our community bonds to spread
knowledge about the cultivation of plants both native and
edible, and about sustainable food choices.”
Thus, the group seeks to educate the campus about
sustainable practices, particularly as it relates to vegetation
and food consumption.
CLASP is comprised of five programs, including the Campus
Community Garden, the Composting Program, Agricultural
Sustainability Discussion Circle, the Community Partnerships
Program, and Urban Harvest classes.
The Campus Community Garden grows vegetables for use in campus dining recipes, and also
serves to educate the community about sustainable choices.
The Composting Program involves collecting nitrogen-rich food waste from
the dining halls and converting it into fertilizer for the Campus Community
Garden.
The Agricultural Sustainability Discussion Circle meets once a month to read
and discuss articles related to agricultural sustainability.
The Community Partnership Program conducts educational and emotional-
learning activities in on-campus gardens and compost locations with
partners in the community. This program also connects UH resources with
Third Ward community gardens.
Urban Harvest Classes are offered on campus as The University of Houston partners with Urban
Harvest, a Houston gardening organization. The classes and panel discussions will be offered at