Clemson students promote sustainability as Ecology Representatives

Published: October 6, 2011

By Max Sewesky

CLEMSON — Clemson University students who are interested in environmental issues are getting a chance to promote sustainability in residential life and on campus through the new Ecology Representative — or Eco-Rep — program.

Eco-Rep is a peer education program. In residence halls, dining facilities and in the classroom, Eco-Reps will share information with other students about making better decisions to improve campus sustainability.

Students who volunteer as Eco-Reps are involved in advancing environmental awareness and leadership, recycling and waste-stream management, energy conservation, water conservation and reducing demand on other utilities.

Eco-Rep volunteers meet twice a month; devote time and resources to marketing efforts; participate in group events, activities, discussions, presentations and leadership development; support their fellow representatives; and learn more about ecology. The program is open to all students.

“I have wanted to implement an Eco-Rep Program at Clemson for many years,” said Gary Gaulin, creator and director of the program and associate director of sustainability for university housing. “Students who live on campus now have another opportunity to engage their community with their own leadership skills and know that they are making a difference in creating a cultural shift to better utilize resources on campus.”

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