EcoReps roll out new reps-in-residence program

Columbia University EcoReps are hitting the floor with a new program that will attempt to disperse environmental coordinators throughout residence halls. EcoReps members say they hope to recruit enough “ECOs,” Environmental Community Organizers, to place them on most floors of most dorms, so they can answer questions that students may have about recycling and living sustainably.

“In the past EcoReps has had committees. We are switching this year to be project-oriented, and those who are accepted to EcoReps can choose to be involved in the ECO liaison program,” Aida Conroy, CC ’13 and EcoReps president, said.

EcoReps, a student-run group that organizes events and runs campaigns to increase sustainability options on campus, started six years ago and is run through Housing Services.

Conroy said the program would begin with a focus on first-year dorms—specifically Carman because of the addition of blue recycling bins to all rooms.

The number of dorms and floors that will have liaisons depends on how many applications are received, said Conroy.

“It’s an appealing program for people who are interested but can’t devote five hours,” Conroy said. “It’s at minimum a one-hour commitment, the main requirements are just one study break a month and being able to answer any questions residents may have about tap water, energy, and light usage.”

Conroy and Louis Smith, CC ’13 and co-president of EcoReps, had worked on a pilot program last year in John Jay, where they held study sessions, gave out organic snacks, and had discussions with people about green initiatives on campus. Conroy said that they found many students were very disconnected from environmentalism on campus.

As long as the liaisons are proactive, Matt White, CC ’15, said he believes residential communities will become more eco-friendly.

“If you have a person set a group of standards for being environmentally friendly and have someone monitor it, it’ll work as long as they are dedicated to being able to enforce the guidelines,” White said.

Sam Liu, CC ’15, however, said he doesn’t think people will go to the liaisons.

“I think people assume they know how to recycle so probably won’t really ask them any questions or for much help,” Liu said.

Conroy said that she and her team are optimistic about encouraging environmentalism.

“It is easy to live sustainably, it is just that people don’t know how,” Conroy said. “We would like to change that.”

Alex Ge and Grant Yuan contributed reporting.
amanda.evans@columbiaspectator.com