University of Vermont

Recycling & Waste Management

Presented by

Erica SpiegelThe University of Vermont

Eco-Reps Program

WELCOME TRAINING 2011

How Did We Get Here?

•Program was started in 2006 as a way to link UVM’s institutional commitment for environmental stewardship to individual student behavior.

•A need for a coordinated, systematic approach for promoting environmental behavior change and eco-literacy among students living in the residence halls.

• Residential Life education staff (RA’s) handle many other critical issues, thus lack time, focus and expertise concerning environmental sustainability issues.

• Student environmental clubs are voluntary; activities do not reach all students living in all residence halls and their focus tends to be issue-specific.

• Thus, Eco-Reps program was created to fulfill this need.

Many Partners and Departments Involved

Who are all of you?

• Undergraduate students (mostly sophomores)

• Variety of different academic majors and interests.

• Live on campus in a res hall

• You have an interest in environmental issues or sustainable living.

• Are involved in other clubs & activities on campus; “cross pollinate” with other issues, build synergy with other groups.

• You are creative and bring other talents and skills to the program.

• You are interested in leadership.

What will you do as an EC0-REP?

Issues We Will Include:•Recycling & Waste Reduction •Energy Efficiency & Conservation•Water Quality & Conservation•Composting•Transportation•Local Foods & Healthy Eating •Climate Change•Arts and Culture

• Learn about environmental issues & how lifestyle choices impact the environment

• Bring those message to your peers living in the residence halls

• Engage other students, challenge them and support them in living more sustainable lives.

How will you do this? Being active and taking action.

Follow through on weekly tasks, special projects and assignments…

• Create bulletin boards

• Audit recycle/trash rooms

• Empty compost pails

• Conduct surveys

• Tabling & exhibits

• Attend tours of local facilities

• Create videos and media

• Talk to peers “one on one”

• Conduct “waste sorts”

• Light bulb “swaps”

What will be expected of you?

• Attend weekly meetings to plan & discuss projects.

• Work 4 hour per week.

• Perform and complete weekly tasks and assignments.

• Be accountable! (more on this topic tomorrow)

Being an Eco-Rep(it’s not just about doing)

• Be effective • Build skills in organizing, planning, leadership• Try what ever works to get your message across

• Be accountable• Self-directed• Follow through on assignments• Ask for clarification; offer suggestions

• Be reliable• Be on time, show up to meetings, tours, tabling

• Be an “eco” role model• “walk the talk” “model the behavior”

Beyond UVM…

• Dozens of similar Eco-Rep programs at colleges and universities across the U.S. (UVM was one of the first!)

• Formally known as “Peer to Peer Sustainability Outreach” programs

• Opportunities to network with other students and leaders from other campus Eco-Rep programs

Welcome to the Eco-Reps Program!

Have a great year…