Each academic year, we publish an impact report highlighting our work and our mission. Scroll through our past reports to learn more about our development and work each year!
Impact Reports
Research Fellowship: Summer 2025
Phoebe Opler, “Monitoring Remarkable Ecosystem Recovery in the Black Sea from Space; How International Policy and Coalitions Can Effectively Promote Ecological Change.”
The Black Sea, a critical environmental, economic, and social resource located in southeastern Europe, is well-known for its high levels of pollution. In 1991, the European Union introduced an environmental policy originally intended to control waste discharge into the Danube River; however, this policy also inadvertently impacted the ecological health of the Black Sea. Through the analysis of phytoplankton blooms, this paper finds that international policy can be effective in promoting ecological recovery and expands our understanding of the interconnection between coastal and open-water regions
Rachel Sporn, “The Environmental Costs of AI: How Data Centers Burden Local Communities.”
As artificial intelligence has disseminated many aspects of our society, so too have its many tangible effects on the environment. In order to operate effectively, AI applications require the construction of data centers that consume large amounts of energy and deplete water resources, placing disproportionate stress on surrounding ecosystems and communities. This paper presents strategies through which AI’s ecological disruption and exacerbation of environmental inequality can be mitigated.
Samantha Gordon, “Secondhand Surge: Navigating the Promise and Problems of Thrift Culture.”
The recent increase in popularity of thrifting and growth of the market for secondhand apparel has created positive environmental effects, especially in its diversion of consumers away from the fast fashion industry. However, the growth of the market for secondhand apparel has also raised concerns about its long-term accessibility, especially for low-income consumers. This paper weighs both the positive and negative effects of a booming thrift culture, ultimately advocating for consumers to thrift responsibly in order to mitigate issues of accessibility and affordability.
REUSE in the News
Hoya Harvest Festival Sheds Light on Sustainability Efforts, Fosters Community During Family Weekend
Published on October 25, 2024
Lauren Maloney, Special to The Hoya
“Two student organizations presented campus sustainability initiatives: Georgetown REUSE, which sells second-hand items, and The Corp Green Team, which leads environmental efforts within The Corp’s student-run services.
Sophie McDowall (SFS [‘25]), a member of REUSE, said that the club’s involvement in the Hoya Harvest Festival was critical to spreading knowledge about sustainability.
“It was a great atmosphere to be able to share more about how we promote waste reduction and sustainable fashion on campus, including how we price our items at a highly reduced rate,” McDowall wrote to The Hoya. “Overall, it was great to table for our second year at Hoya Harvest Festival and can’t wait to see how it continues to grow in the future!” “
GREEN’s Trashion Show brings a new perspective to the fashion rage on campus
Published on April 13, 2024
Rhea Banerjee, The Georgetown Voice
“Various student groups, such as Georgetown REUSE, will be tabling in Copley Formal Lounge—the event venue—to share sustainable waste management solutions like purchasing secondhand clothing. . . . Affordability in sustainability is the underlying question of this show made by and for college students. It is a common misconception that sustainability is prohibitively expensive. “Many people are used to going to SHEIN and buying five tops that they are going to wear twice,” Dovel said, citing their low quality and price. “They don’t really think about where their clothing is coming from, where it goes.” Ultimately, the goal of the event is to inspire attendees to be more conscious of their purchasing choices.”
Student discounts to keep on your radar
Published on August 25, 2024
Ninabella Arlis, The Georgetown Voice
“Georgetown REUSE is a great way to shop sustainably and affordably. You can shop for pre-loved clothes and dorm materials online, in-person at Red Square during the weekly GU Farmers Market, or at their occasional pop-ups. At the end of the year, you can also donate your unwanted items to their annual move-out drive.”
Inno Under 25: Brooke Hodge, Georgetown REUSE
Published on November 30, 2023
Alan Kline, DCInno, Washington Business Journal
“The Georgetown senior and five other students founded a nonprofit that provides affordable and pre-loved clothing and school supplies to students.”
Georgetown Entrepreneurs Win $125,000 in Prizes During Annual ‘Bark Tank’ Pitch Competition
Published on October 27, 2023
Teresa Mannix, Georgetown University McDonough School of Business
“Eight student teams on a mission to make a positive impact on society presented their startup ideas to a panel of expert judges during the Leonsis Family Entrepreneurship Prize “Bark Tank” Pitch Competition on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, taking home $125,000 in prizes. . . . Georgetown REUSE tied for third place, receiving $15,000. Georgetown REUSE works to increase accessibility, reduce waste, and promote a circular system of consumption by way of providing affordable and pre-loved clothing, school supplies, and dorm materials to students and community members. It is led by Rita Alan (SFS’24), Elizabeth Packard (CAS ’25).”
Published on June 20th, 2023
“On April 29th, the Landegger Program in International Business Diplomacy (IBD) hosted the 5th Annual Global Impact Pitch Competition (GIPC) finals at Georgetown University. GIPC is an innovative entrepreneurial event that serves the entire Georgetown student community and is led by Professor Dale Murphy. During the final, six finalist teams pitched their entrepreneurial ideas to a panel of five distinguished judges.”
VIEWPOINT: Reform Our Wasteful System
Published on February 24, 2023
Brooke Hodge, Rita Alan, Stephane Granato
“We will work to provide local and affordable options for the goods you need — we ask you, in turn, to take a moment to reflect before consuming and disposing, and to ask yourself how your choices can best contribute to this circular system we are trying to foster. Before you throw out, seek out one of our donation sites (coming soon), and before you add to your basket, check the dates for our pop-ups or seek out another secondhand option on campus. By doing this together, we can take better care of our community and common home. “
Georgetown REUSE Wins Top Prize at Rocket Pitch Competition
Published on February 22, 2023
Alexa Hill, The Hoya
“Groups competed to win a total of $4,500 in prize money, split across multiple groups. Georgetown REUSE, presented by co-founders Rita Alan (SFS ’24) and Stephane Granato (SFS ’24), received the $1,500 top prize and the $250 People’s Choice Award for their pitch to centralize the recycling of clothing and home goods on campus.”
