Eco-Reps Program

In the fall of 2011, Champlain College launched an Eco-Reps Program in our residence halls.

What are Eco-Reps?

Eco-Reps are peer educators within college residence halls and across campus that model environmentally responsible living behaviors and conduct education and outreach to fellow residents. Eco-Reps are trained and coordinated by the Director for Service & Sustainability Learning, who connects them to appropriate campus personnel and resources.  Eco-Rep activities are generally focused within the residential areas of campus, but can spill out into broader campus issues when most applicable.

There are currently over 100 similar programs on campuses across the country.

Goals of the Eco-Reps Program at Champlain College

• Train, educate, and empower student leaders
• Increase student engagement and community building through peer leadership
• Increase environmental behaviors on campus (including but not limited to: waste reduction, energy and water conservation, alternative transportation, and conscious consumption)

Program Format & Training

Student Eco-Reps meet with the Sustainability Coordinator on a weekly basis. Students are provided related resources and a to-do list for the month while getting the opportunity to learn about topics that they are specifically interested in. Each Eco-Rep also joins one of the following committees: social media, green room certification, Green Up Challenge, Swap Shop, and apiary.

Throughout the year, students participate in trainings that include: team-building exercises, program orientation, and other activities.

Themes often include:

• Waste
• Energy
• Food
• Transportation
• Water
• Conscious Consumption

We work deliberately to show the intersectionality between these topics and many social justice issues. 

Training/Professional Development Topics:

• How to Host an Event
• Effective Communication
• Community-Based Social Marketing
• Time Management for Student Leaders
• Collaborations across campus

Activities:

• Set up an bulletin board in their residence hall / target area and post information
• Collaborate with residential life staff and/or other campus event planners on programming opportunities
• Conduct audits of the trash and recycling bins in their building/area
• Be a resource person for students in the residence hall/area
• Promote the Green Room Certification Program
• Act as "eyes & ears" regarding res hall operations and report accordingly to Physical Plant staff
• Conduct energy audits of appliances in residence halls
• Conduct surveys about ecological issues
• Attend meetings to plan activities and provide feedback to the Sustainability Coordinator
• Assist with waste reduction activities at move in/move out
• Set up and staff environmental information tables and exhibits
• Go on tours of local sites such as Green Mountain Compost and the Material Recovery Facility
• Develop programs and projects related to their interests