January 21, 2026
It's easy to lose track of how much waste we’re creating. Thankfully, Mia and her fellow Sustainability Ambassadors are here to help the Big Red think a little greener.
“Our job is to amplify sustainability efforts on campus and to get students connected with all the different resources we have,” Mia says. “We’re really working to create a culture around sustainability.”
For Mia, the Office of Sustainability and UNL Housing & Dining ambassador program is an extension of her values that’s also helping her connect more with her campus community.
“We really felt like the peer-to-peer component of our push for sustainability was missing,” Mia explains. “I really love being able to talk with fellow Huskers because being sustainable can apply to any major, job or aspect of life — there’s something each of us can do to help.”
Mia says that taking advantage of some of the more convenient, cost-effective resources on campus is a great place to start.
“Most coffee shops on campus will give you a discount if you bring your own reusable mug,” she says. “Getting a bus pass is also amazing — it’s free and you don’t have to worry about finding parking!”
Mia also wants to keep the momentum going on a newer initiative: OZZI containers, reusable food containers students can use in dining halls across campus.
“OZZI containers are an easy way to help us reduce single use containers when we eat. You can pick them up and drop them off at any of the dining halls and Herbie’s Markets across campus, and all you have to do is remove any plastic or utensils when you’re done — you don’t have to worry about cleaning any food waste out.”
Last semester alone, Huskers used over 100,000 OZZI containers — a huge jump from the 20,000 used across all of the 2024-2025 school year.
“Being in this program, I love that I can advocate for doing things collectively and contributing to a culture that goes beyond my personal choices, because sustainability affects all of us.
Mia Perales is an environmental engineering major from Omaha, Nebraska.