Semester Reflections
As the fall semester comes to a close, think back on your time as an eco-rep. What was one of your highlights of the semester? What is one that you'd like to change for next semester (either personally or for the program as a whole)?
posted by UVM Eco-Reps Program Coordinator @ 12:03 PM
11 Comments:
I reall enjoyed the training and the energy at the beginning of the semester. Getting to know a whole new group of like-minded individuals was a fantastic way to kick off the year. I really enjoyed getting my community and my building involved and thinking ecologically. I wish I had better organized my time this semester. I think I could have accomplished and achieved many more of my goals if I had better time management.
I can't wait to continue learning and teaching next semester!
-Lindsey Gillies
I enjoyed doing the clothing swap with Gwen at Simpson Store when we got back from break. It went really well because so many people had gotten the email advertising the event. People brought bags full of old clothes they were hoping to get rid of so in no time our table was completely full of clothing.
I also really like the composting that we've been doing because it is something I did not know much about before. Over break my family is going to start a compost pile in our back yard and I am really happy that I was able to help talk them into doing that. I think more programs that get the campuses involved with the environment should be implemented next semester so that more people can be exposed to the new technologies and ideas of going green.
-Katherine Moser
My favorite event of this year was the Mt.Trash Day when we sorted all of the trash for the Davis Center. It was a lot of fun and brought together the people who worked together. Plus it raised awareness of the literal amounts of food and other items that could be diverted into recycle/compost facilities instead of just adding to the landfill. Also we got to wear those awesome tyvek suits and have pictures as proof!!!
Eco-Reps has been an absolutely awesome experience so far! It's definitely one of the best organizations at UVM. One of my highlights of this semester was when we got to meet Guster. I still can't believe how crazy that was. It was so cool to see what they are trying to do to promote environmentally conscious thoughts and actions; it definitely gave me hope for the future. Another one of my highlights was just in being able to teach people the little things they can do to help the environment, like recycling, composting, eating, ect. A little can surely go a long way. One thing that could better the program is if we could organize trips and events that fit a majority or a variety of people's times. I wasn't able to attend any trips, bulb swaps, or mt. recyclemore because I had class during those times. I hope that next semester my schedule will allow me to attend more events.
Being an eco-rep this semester has been such an awarding and enlightening experience. Though the meetings were required it was such a nice break to discuss topics that everyone in the room has a genuine concern about. It is such a humbling yet rewarding experience. I say humbling because when we learn about the environmental issues I realize not how I can get other people to change their attitudes, but also how much room for improvement I also have. It is also such a rewarding experience because there is this feeling that an individual actually CAN make a difference. Cant wait to do it again next semester :)
- Emily
Since I am a Junior and feel older than everyone else, I am happy to know that the Eco-Reps program continues to flourish and get better as the subsequent classes are more inspired to do something. On a social level, I had a lot of fun having our meetings and just talking to people about what they're up to with their lives and what they're doing for the Eco-Reps tasks. I liked doing the Simpson Food Weigh-In because I got to SLIGHTLY make people feel guilty about wasting their food. I say slightly because it was enough to motivate them not to waste food, but not enough to shut them down.
For next semester, I'd like to do more campus wide, cooperative programs that are initiated by Eco-Reps and not by higher ups because it just helps us "own" our work a bit more and really develop leadership skills.
-Daniel
This past semester has been pretty cool! I really have learned a lot about the environment, energy use at UVM, local foods, and tons of other cool things. I have also resolved to read a lot of the recommended books from the websites. I want to learn more about vegetarianism as well as how to be an eco-friendly shopper. One of the highlights was definitely the waste sort from the Davis Center. It was awesome to visually see what people were throwing away. It was also kind of sad too, because the Davis Center, this “green” building, had so many flaws in its recycling system. I feel like the recycling bins move around every day and people are always unsure of what can go in which bin. I think we should work on educating the UVM community about which things can go in which bins for next semester. That would be a great project for the Eco-Reps: recycling lessons! Next semester, I would really like to see more education. If there is a foundation where we can teach students what to recycle and why it is important, then it will be easier to build upon that foundation when it comes to recycling or composting, or reusing, etc.
A highlight of my semester was the atmosphere of the group as a whole. We are all very positive. Next semester we really need to get the students more involved. I feel the eco-reps are doing their jobs but are not trying hard enough to make the students more actively involved. We could have fun activities/contests for the others students or residents halls if they do something environmental. For example, who could gather the most recyclables from around campus and the winner could get a small prize. It is just an idea. Anyway, the next semester for the eco-reps will be interesting.
-Erin Krug
The past semester as an Eco-Rep has definitely shown me how much potential we all have to make a difference not only on campus but in our lives. Negative habits have been replaced with positive habits like recycling, conserving energy, composting, and buying local. Though not everyone is participating in such activities, it is reassuring that a growing number of people are.
I predict that the Spring semester Eco-Rep program will coincide with the upcoming the season: while nature will be appreciating the sun with blooming buds, UVM will become one step closer to appreciating and taking care of our environment.
-Kate G-H
The highlights of Eco Reps so far (that's right- I couldn't choose just one) would be our welcome retreat and going on Guster's tourbus. That was INCREDIBLY cool. I still brag about it to this day. It was cool to see environmental products being in the mainstream. And I feel that it is promising when influential people like musicians take a stand on an issue, in this case, the environment and inspire their fans to care about it too.
-Arielle
I think for next semester, it would be a great idea to join up with other eco-reps to work with res. halls. For example, the bulb swaps are a great success in part because eco-reps are working as a team to get students to reduce their negative impact on the environment through something as simple as changing light bulb. I also feel like our message is louder when paired with other eco-reps. My major highlight for this semester was the clothing swap I held for UHeights. I held it outside and the fire alarm went off which forced all the students outside to my swap. There was a bunch of food I bought with money from CAB and students were able to walk back into their dorm with a sense of success in finding a new shirt or skirt!
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