Students
Students make a difference at Bard in many ways, whether by starting an environmental TLS project, volunteering as an EcoRep, or by making sustainable choices where they live, learn and play..EcoReps
EcoReps are student volunteers who are charged with increasing sustainable behavior within the residence halls. There are up to two EcoReps per building (or hall), and EcoReps volunteer from one to four hours weekly. Sign up to be the EcoRep: e-mail reduce@bard.edu.So you're the EcoRep . . .
- Read the 2010 EcoRep manual (PDF). Updated manual coming soon.
- Learn more about the psychology of fostering sustainable behavior with Community Based Social Marketing (CBSM)—getting from information to action. Download a PDF of the online book.
- Check out the Social Change Workshop Presentation (PDF).
- Download signs to post (scroll down to the Actions and Materials section). You can also design your own according to CBSM principals.
In Your Dorm
Move In—Check your bins. Do you have all you need to recycle and reuse: green, red, and blue? Set up a cardboard "EcoRep Box" to recycle special streams like cell phones, ink jet cartridges, and old batteries. Establish a way to collect plastic bags so they can be recycled at Hannaford. Make sure people understand to flatten their cardboard boxes so they can be recycled, and bag packing peanuts for the trash.
Spring semester—Recyclemania contest begins each February and runs 8 weeks. Plan to lower waste during this competition. Bard has reduced waste over 30 percent since 2005!
Move Out—Feed Barry the blue bin using blue bags, and pack up unwanted items for FreeUse.
Bulb Swap—Stop by BoS for a free CFL. In 2008 and 2009, students swapped out enough bulbs to save over $2,500 each year. (Download Bulb Swap Calculations PDF)
Working for BOS
Look for work-study positions on the Career Development Office website. We hire students to work in materials management (recycle yard, compost commandos, FreeUse), alternate transportation (pedicab pedalers, bike share coordinators, sustainability engagement), as EcoRep managers, and more. Your best bet is to start by volunteering to be the EcoRep for your hall.
Be a Joiner
Student Clubs—The Environmental Collective (EC), Bike Coop (put in some labor on a broken bike, and then you can keep it!), Bard Biodiesel Coop, Outdoors Club (backpacking/camping in the Catskills and Adirondacks, rock climbing in the Gunks, skiing/riding), plus many more, including several clubs with food themes.
Sustainability Council needs you. Students are elected to the council; find out how to run through Student Government.
