Eco-Reps Program

Champlain College Eco-Reps are (primarily) residential students who help raise awareness about ecological issues and encourage environmentally responsible behavior from campus residents.

Eco-Reps educate their peers about environmental issues such as waste reduction and energy conservation. They also collaborate on related activities in their residence halls with their Resident Assistants (RA) or other Champlain student event planners.

Eco-Reps act as additional “eyes and ears” regarding the physical operations of the buildings and will alert Physical Plant staff if necessary.

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. Each month has a theme with related events & activities. Students are provided related resources and a to-do list for the month.

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

Possible Themes
- 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 Office of Sustainability staff
- 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 your interests

Office of Sustainability

Location

Skiff Annex, Room 203
163 South Willard Street, Burlington, VT 05401

Office Hours

Tuesday – Friday
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Email us to set up a meeting outside of the academic year