UVM Eco-Reps Program Blog

The Value of Eco-Reps

2011-04-11T09:38:00.000-07:00

As we near the end of the 2010-2011 academic year, it's nice to reflect on what we've accomplished as a team. Something I've been thinking about recently is: What are some of the benefits that Eco-Reps generate at UVM? These benefits could be to fellow students, UVM staff, UVM administration, Vermont citizens...

Think beyond just traditional monetary measures. The value of the service you all provide could be thought of in terms of students gaining new knowledge, the university lessening its environmental impact, or residential halls enjoying increased social capital (such as greater community involvement or interaction among peers living together on campus).

Transportation Education

2011-03-23T14:34:00.000-07:00

What are a couple key points regarding alternative transportation at UVM that you think should be part of educating your peers? How might you highlight environmentally friendly options for getting around Burlington, or for getting to and from Burlington?

For example, you might consider how to frame messages about the environmental impacts of different modes of transportation, or the financial costs of operating and maintaining a personal vehicle. Include a little research in your response, and of course cite any sources of information.

Climate Optimism

2011-02-28T12:04:00.000-08:00

The messages often associated with climate change can be gloomy and negative. How might we communicate positively about climate change issues? Identify 2 aspects of dealing with climate change that paint a hopeful (rather than a doomsday) picture.

For example, climate change represents a truly global challenge and thus an opportunity for international cooperation on an unprecedented scale. The negotiations, policies, and institutions being developed to cope with climate change both within and between nations could lead to a more conscious, respectful global society. Also, the threat of climate change is fueling a shift to cleaner sources of energy with potential for less overall pollution (beyond just greenhouse gas emissions) and a cleaner, healthier future.

Motivators and messages

2011-01-31T12:34:00.000-08:00

Have a look at the previous Community Based Social Marketing post and review the comments.

In your own experience, what motivates you in choosing to adopt an environmentally responsible behavior (for example the choice to compost, bike instead of drive, take shorter showers, etc.)? Motivators might include social norms, personal beliefs, monetary cost...

Have you come across certain environmental messages that resonate with you, or messages you can't stand?

Interesting facts about water

2010-10-21T10:53:00.000-07:00

Eco-reps~

Please look up an interesting fact about water, ranging from its chemical structure/properties to why its so important? Or what role it plays in the future?

Record where you found the information (book, internet site, youtube, etc.).

Happy hydration!

New Blog on Community Based Social Marketing

2010-10-08T16:28:00.000-07:00

Hey ERs!

Please look up 'community-based social marketing' on Google. Respond with 3-4 sentences

about what CBSM is, an example of how CBSM was used, and how you think it might help with a specific Eco-Rep action.

You will be brainstorming ideas with your campus on Monday!

Getting Down with Sustainability-Blog Meets Blog

2010-09-22T19:04:00.000-07:00

Eco-Reps~

I would like you to find a Sustainability blog online. Write a brief description of the blog site, pros/cons about the site, and if you would recommend the site to someone who knows nothing about Sustainability.

Happy writing!

10 Myths About Sustainability

2010-09-08T12:25:00.001-07:00

Hello Eco-Reps!

Here is your first blog assignment. I would like each of you to pick one of the 10 Myths about Sustainability and write a brief explanation about why this is a Myth. Try to be creative in your thinking and act as if you are explaining this to one of your hall mates who has no idea what 'Sustainability' is all about. Have fun !!

10 Myths About Sustainability

1) Nobody knows what sustainability really means

2) Sustainability is all about the environment

3) Sustainable” is a synonym for “green

4) It’s all about recycling

5) Sustainability is too expensive

6) Sustainability means lowering our standard of living

7) Consumer choices and grassroots activism, not government

intervention, offer the fastest, most efficient routes to

sustainability

8) New technology is always the answer

9) Sustainability is ultimately a population problem

10) Once you understand the concept, living sustainably is a

breeze to figure out

people planet

2010-04-05T12:15:00.000-07:00

The Human Health and Environment chapter gives background about some of the topics that Kesha Ram spoke about. How are the decision we make affecting people as well as the planet? When only certain communities have access to fresh drinking water, public green spaces, fresh fruit and vegetables, and other communities have more than their fair share of pollution and industrial waste - it's environmental injustice. Have you encountered any examples of this in your life? What thoughts did Kesha's talk stir in you?

H20

2010-03-23T18:45:00.000-07:00

What is something you've recently learned about water or water use?

Where did you come from, How did you go?

2010-03-01T14:02:00.000-08:00

By now you've probably surveyed UVM students (hopefully 20!) about their transportation choices. What have you found most interesting about their responses?

What do you think might be the biggest change to transportation in your lifetime?

Changing Climate...Communicating Change

2010-02-15T15:19:00.000-08:00

Have you heard about Climate Change this week? In the news, on the web, in a conversation? Communicating about climate change takes on many forms - comedy, news, statistics, web sites, blogs, word of mouth, class lectures, etc. In your experience, that is the most effective medium for communicating about climate change? What has impacted you the most, or what has been most useful for you in your outreach efforts? Include any examples or links you want us to know about.

Semester goals

2010-02-01T09:08:00.000-08:00

At this point you've met with your complex team and discussed your roles and ideas as Eco-Reps. What are the specific goals you are looking forward to working on in your complex this semester? Briefly, what are a few of your ideas for achieving them?

Fall Semester Reflections

2009-12-04T09:11:00.000-08:00

What was one highlight of the fall semester? What is one particular thing you hope to continue/work on in the spring?

Food.

2009-11-02T13:21:00.001-08:00

Using your Eco-Reps lenses, and thinking about what Melissa and Kate had to say about dining services at UVM, what was one observation you made in the last two weeks regarding food systems on campus?

Watt's up?

2009-10-12T15:10:00.001-07:00

After conducting the appliance tour in your neighbor's rooms (and hopefully your own as well) what are your observations on the use of electricity in the res halls?

I heart Recycling

2009-09-28T15:28:00.000-07:00

So by now you've all had the chance to take a look into your recycling and trash bins in your building. Any key observations? What seems to be the biggest obstacle to recycling in your building? What might we do to overcome that obstacle?

First Impressions

2009-09-14T15:27:00.001-07:00

You've now been an Eco-Rep for two weeks (or more, for those of you returning). What are the first impressions you have of your role? What are you looking forward to in this position?

Final reflections

2009-04-23T10:37:00.000-07:00

So you've now finished the year as an Eco-Rep. At our last meeting our guests asked you why you wanted to be an Eco-Rep. Thinking back on your response, how did this experience meet your expectations?

Water world

2009-03-30T14:49:00.001-07:00

What was one new thing that you learned or paid more attention to regarding water issues?

Climate Change & YOU??

2009-03-02T14:17:00.001-08:00

So what does the big picture problem of climate change mean to you? To a average UVMer? How do we even begin to bring up this issue with students? Do we need to?

Thoughts on Transportation

2009-02-10T10:46:00.000-08:00

Where there any interesting interactions as you surveyed students on transportation issues? What do you think are the best ways to encourage students to do more carpooling, car-sharing, bus-riding, etc?

A fresh look on recycling

2009-01-26T12:45:00.001-08:00

Now that you all are seasoned Eco-Reps, what issues do you see with recycling in the residence halls? What strategies have you employed to help with these issues?

Reflections on the semester

2008-12-08T07:10:00.001-08:00

What was one of your highlights as an Eco-Rep this semester?
What (skills, resources, etc.) would make you a more effective Eco-Rep next semester?

Pre-Thanksigiving

2008-11-17T11:13:00.000-08:00

Describe one interaction you had with another student around the topic of unplugging appliances before leaving campus, sharing rides, or Buy Nothing Day.

Food For Thought

2008-11-03T14:12:00.000-08:00

Two questions for you:
1) What were any key observations about the food sector @ UVM (either waste or something from your dining hall survey)?
2) What are some of your ideas for a Hall Council/RA co-hosted program?

Plugged In.

2008-10-15T10:50:00.000-07:00

What are your reactions to your findings of surveying appliances in res hall rooms?

Recycling!

2008-09-30T12:10:00.000-07:00

So by now you've all had the chance to peer in your recycling and trash bins in your building. Any key observations? What seems to be the biggest obstacle to recycling in your building? What might we do to overcome that obstacle?

Eco-Reps 2008: First Reflection

2008-09-15T14:49:00.001-07:00

Thinking of the training and your first weeks of being an Eco-Rep, what impressions do you have of the program?* What questions do you have? What goals do you have as an Eco-Rep this year?

*for those of you returning, what are ways that you might want to improve the program from last year?

Earth Week 2008

2008-04-24T13:36:00.000-07:00

Describe one way that you celebrated Earth Week this year.
(I think my highlight was the seeing the happy faces chowing down on local, organic food at the ALANA breakfast...)

Water: One Less Bottle

2008-04-14T11:31:00.001-07:00

By now you've seen the bottle tree outside of the Davis Center. Anyone overhear any interesting comments? Have you heard others on campus mention it? What do you think of this type of installation? Does it create a buzz?

Environmental Health

2008-03-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

From Colleen:
It is important that the University provides a healthy setting for both students and staff. Some of these health issues include: air quality, nutrition, and water resources. Fortunately, we go to school in the healthiest state in the US. We still have room to improve, but we must also be a leader in paving the way for University Health across the nation.

What are your thoughts on how the environment affects human health? What issues do you see on campus or particularly in Vermont? Are there any changes you would like to see, if not what are the healthy environmental aspects of living in Vermont?

Thoughts on competitions like RecycleMania?

2008-02-20T12:17:00.000-08:00

What do you think of inter-collegiate or inter-campus challenges such as RecycleMania? Do they inspire students to get involved? Why or why not?

Focus the Nation

2008-02-05T14:20:00.000-08:00

Describe at least one Focus the Nation event that you attended. What was the audience like? Any surprises? Any inspriration?

Spring Semester Kickoff: Tabling in your Building

2008-01-24T10:34:00.000-08:00

Describe one or two interactions you had with residents of your building while tabling. What were the most frequent questions asked? Did any questions stump you?

Semester Reflections

2007-11-27T12:03:00.000-08:00

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)?

Compost/Pre-Thanksgiving

2007-11-15T12:05:00.000-08:00

Describe one interaction you had with another student around the topic of compost, unplugging appliances before leaving campus, or sharing rides.

Dining Hall Findings

2007-10-30T11:55:00.000-07:00

What was one of your most intriguing things you observed in the dining halls while conducting your survey? What was one of the questions/issues that the manager raised?

It's Electric!

2007-10-16T13:20:00.000-07:00

What was one new thing that you learned about electricity at UVM? (Usage? Where it comes from? etc.) Describe one of the interactions that you had while conducting the energy surveys in your residence hall.

Fall 2007: The Wonderful World of Waste

2007-10-03T09:51:00.001-07:00

Now that you’ve completed both a basic audit of the recycling bins in your building, and perhaps even participated in our first waste sort, what do you think are the motivators for students to recycle (i.e. why do students recycle?) On the flip side, what are the barriers that you’ve seen or experienced in your residence halls (i.e. why don’t students recycle?)

~Christina

Eco-Reps 2007: First Reflection

2007-09-19T10:40:00.000-07:00

Thinking of the training and your first week of being an Eco-Rep, what impressions do you have of the program? What questions do you have?

What would you advise??

2007-04-10T12:21:00.000-07:00

I recently received this e-mail from a student... if you were the one to reply, how would you advise him?

********

i was just looking at that installments thing and i realized i did have a question for you. you see, i recently learned that i have lot less in common with my roomate than i initially thought in that he seems to regard recyling and conservation as completely unneccessary. i can tolerate this on a large scale because it's easy to just say "people are jerks" without specifying which people. anyway, thing is, the other day he decided to take the trash out but as he did so he also took the cans out of the bin that i've told him time and again is for recycling and simply put them in the trash with the rest. i couldn't believe it. of course i got up and fixed this error but the fact remained that he had done it. when i sought to figure out why he said that he's simply "forgotten", and that "it was just five cans". aside from the fact that it's not the sort of thing one should forget i don't see how he possibly could if he had to actively move them from the correct recepticle to the wrong one. now, finally, to the point, how would those assembled convince him of the necessity of recycling and conservation without him becoming too defensive and without me seeming overly judgemental.

Bottled Water

2007-03-27T14:01:00.000-07:00

After doing our Water Taste Test (see the results at http://www.uvm.edu/~ecoreps/?Page=actions.html), this week's questions are from Erica: Why do students choose to buy bottled water? What are factors that go into decision? Concern over water quality? taste? convenience? Why are students willing to PAY $1.00 or more for a product that they can get for FREE from the tap or drinking fountain?

Climate Change

2007-03-05T11:12:00.000-08:00

What do you think is the impact of films like "An Inconvenient Truth"? Do films, books, lectures, etc. lead to behavior change? If not, what inspires behavior change?

RecycleMania

2007-02-15T11:09:00.000-08:00

What is your perception of RecycleMania? Is it an effective campaign in rallying students around recycling? What ways might we might improve this effort?

Transportation

2007-01-24T15:46:00.000-08:00

What is one aspect of the UVM transportation system that could be improved to get more riders? What is one aspect of the CTAA transportation system that could be improved to get more riders?

Briefly describe your experience tabling in your building. What type of responses did you get from other residences? Any top frequently asked questions?

Feedback on Eco-Reps Website

2006-11-16T13:18:00.000-08:00

I’d love to get some feedback on the resource section of the website http://www.uvm.edu/~ecoreps/?Page=resources.html

How often do you use the resources page? Frequently, Occasionally, Never

What parts do you use? Manual, Meeting Agendas & Notes, Project/Job Descriptions, Links, logos

What is missing from the resources page?

Bulletin Boards!

2006-11-01T11:08:00.000-08:00

By now, everyone should have a bulletin board (or wall space) in their residence hall. Since I'm not able to get around to see all of your creative work, please email me a photo of your bulletin board by next Monday (11/6). If you don't have the means to take an electronic photo, you can use our Eco-Reps Photographers: Anna or Naomi.

The Wonderful World of Waste

2006-10-18T07:21:00.000-07:00

Job/Project Action Items for the Semester

2006-10-03T10:07:00.000-07:00

Now that you know what special project/job position you have, please tell us 2-3 specific action items that you will aim to accomplish this semester. You may want to refer to the job descriptions at
http://www.uvm.edu/~ecoreps/?Page=resources.html#Jobs
for ideas (as some roles have some specific needs).

Thanks!
~Christina

Eco-Reps 2006: First Reflection

2006-09-21T15:07:00.000-07:00

Thinking on your first week, what was your biggest challenge getting started as an Eco-Rep? What would have made the process easier/better?

Reflections on the Semester

2005-12-01T13:43:00.000-08:00

Add your reflections to the semester as comments on this post.