DEQ is committed to preventing pollution through voluntary, statewide programs. We administer and manage the Oregon Applied Sustainability Internship Program, or OASIS, in partnership with the Oregon Sea Grant. This project is made possible through the
EPA's pollution prevention grant program which focuses on measurable environmental benefits.
The program connects environmental science, chemistry, sustainability and engineering students with Oregon businesses to conduct pollution prevention research projects. Research projects focus on preventing pollution, saving resources and money by reducing toxic chemicals, energy use, water consumption and solid waste.
Success Stories
Learn about OASIS success stories for examples of how the program makes a difference in the lives of interns and the businesses who host them.
Benefits
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Businesses find innovative, cost-effective solutions to sustainability-related challenges they may not otherwise develop or implement.
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Businesses improve processes and materials using pollution prevention techniques and principles.
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Students gain practical experience by applying sustainability principles through hands-on internships. Participation in the program will allow students to strengthen their networks, build their resumes and improve their potential job opportunities while creating concrete and cost-effective contributions to protect the environment and public health.
OASIS interns helped businesses
If businesses implement the OASIS interns’ recommendations, then together the companies could annually:
- save $6,699,708,
- prevent the use of 286 tons of hazardous waste,
- reduce water use by 120 million gallons, and
- prevent 86,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide from being emitted.
Testimonials
Reaching sustainability and hazardous waste reduction goals and targets is not an easy task; the OASIS team have provided technical expert support, and interns that are driven and selected to maximize their time and efforts for our team to be successful.
-TE Connectivity
Hosting an OASIS intern this summer was invaluable and our intern went above and beyond. They helped us identify areas for pollution prevention and contributed to the business beyond just the requirements of the program - we loved being a host business!
-Bold Reuse
The OASIS internship program empowered us to undertake a pollution prevention project that would have otherwise been beyond our capacity. Our intern played a pivotal role in coordinating meetings with both local and international industry experts, building momentum for change beyond our company alone.
-Bridgetown Mushrooms
Funding
The EPA's Pollution Prevention Grant funds the program. Future program development is dependent on identifying and securing funding. Please visit the
OASIS website for donation opportunities.