Freshmen who attended the first Eco-Rep Program informational session yesterday at the Pollock Cultural Lounge got a taste of what the program’s goals are and the expectations of the Eco-Reps.
The Eco-Rep is a student that will live in East Halls and be paid to promote behaviors that are environmentally responsible, Program Coordinator Milea Perry said.
The program is looking to fill in 28 positions open to freshmen living in East Halls in the fall, Perry said.
“We want to have a Penn State culture of being environmentally conscientious,” Perry said.
Perry, who works in the Campus Sustainability Office, began the presentation by asking students what they are passionate about, specifically related to the environment. Perry then shared her “Erin Brockovich Experience” with the group of five students in attendance about her own experiences working in a community near a toxic chemical plant.
Perry then explained the goal of the Eco-Rep Program, which is starting up for the first time at Penn State during the fall semester.
“Hopefully what you learn you’ll take with you and use that in your residence halls,” Perry said.
Students watched a brief video and observed a PowerPoint presentation by Perry. They were also briefed on what an Eco-Rep is expected to accomplish in the program–requirements that are challenging and character-building, Perry said.
Some of the benefits of the program include leadership experience, a close relationship with peers, going green, and working to decrease electricity use and waste on campus, Perry said.
Keri Mahoney (freshman-communications) saw the information meeting on stall stories and decided to attend the session.
Not having enough recycling bins on campus is a problem, Mahoney said.
“I don’t think Penn State is doing enough about the lack of recycling bins,” Mahoney said.
One of the attendees, Roni Pasi, is now more interested in applying for the program after the session and said the requirements don’t deter her.
“I’ve always been interested about the environment,” Pasi (freshman-environmental resource management) said. “I think I can handle the requirements and attend the mandatory meetings.”
Since 2009, over 50 different universities across the United States have started their own Eco-Rep programs, but this is the first year the program is being offered at Penn State, Perry said. The Eco-Reps are expected to reduce electricity use during the fall semester, and focus on recycling in the spring, all while encouraging their peers to go green, Perry said.
“I want them to be visual on campus,” Perry said. “Go outside and use less electricity.”
The remaining two informational meetings will be held on July 20 and 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the Pollock Cultural Lounge.
Potential candidates can submit their resume, cover letter, and two references to Perry via email at map40@psu.edu. The deadline for applications is July 29.