University of Vermont Recycling & Waste Management Presented by Erica Spiegel

1. University of Vermont Recycling & Waste Management Presented by Erica Spiegel Eco-Reps: Peer Education and Outreach Programs in Residence Halls Presented by: Erica M. SpiegelRecycling & Waste ManagementUniversity of Vermont

2. Growing Network of Peer-to-Peer Outreach Programs • The first known “Eco-Reps” program started at Tufts University in 2000. Soon after, Harvard University REP program began. University of Vermont (UVM) started a program in 2004. • Today, there over two dozen similar “peer education” programs in higher ed residential settings across the U.S. and Canada. • Coordinators are networking to share ideas; holding monthly conference calls around program development, implementation and evaluation. • In 2007, UVM Eco-Rep Coordinator conducted a comprehensive survey and review of 26 programs.

3. 2007 Peer-to-Peer Sustainability Outreach Program Survey Results • Purpose of Survey • Gather information on existing programs • Range of topics/content and delivery • Best practices and challenges • Administrative structure • Create a stronger network of professionals doing similar work • Assist development of similar programs

4. About the Programs: Profiles • 26 schools responded to national survey • Most are four-year colleges • 70/30 : private/public • Campus size: 1,000-15,000 student body

5. About the Programs: Content & Delivery • Most common methods: • Door-to-door visits • Posters and Flyers • Group activities & events • Bulletin Boards • Tabling • Articles in student news Most common topics covered: • Waste & Recycling • Energy • Water • Food

6. Energy Bingo Energy Jeopardy games Food waste audits Recycled Valentine’s Reverse “Trick or Treat” to collect recycling Recycle Mania Earth Day promotions Nalgene bottle sales Tap vs. Bottled water “taste tests” Open Mic nights, music Distribution of campus “green guides” Ice cream study breaks “Unplugged” events Clothing exchanges Co-sponsor events with other student groups About the Programs: Creativity!Beyond basic activities and events, there is a great deal of creativity throughout programs.

7. About the Programs: Student Compensation & Accountability

8. About the Programs: “Best Practices” • Partnerships and collaboration between various campus entities • Structured program with application/hiring process, paid students, specific task lists, forms, manuals, and regular meetings • Energy competitions, required written reflections, and recycling audits.

9. Undergraduate students • Must live in dorms on campus • Variety of different majors and interests • Are paid for 4 hours per week • Required to attend a bi-weekly meeting to plan and discuss projects and progress. • Several Eco-Reps are involved in other clubs; integration, collaboration with others Meet the UVM Eco-Reps

10. Why Did Eco-Rep Program Get Started? Lacked active involvement of Residential Life “education” staff. Recycling and energy was often viewed as a “facilities thing.” Lacked a coordinated systematic approach to promoting environmental awareness and behavior change in residence halls. Student environmental club involvement was “spotty” over the years, and none focused on residence hall life on campus. Thus, began pilot program as a way to connect UVM’s institutional commitment to environmental stewardship and individual student behavior.

11. Program Outcomes Many intangible benefits: • Promotes community-building in residence halls centered on ecological living that helps foster “ecological literacy” in all residents as future citizens. • Engages students who might not otherwise get involved in residential hall activities. • Supplements and supports programs sponsored by Resident Assistants and other Residential Life personnel and committees (e.g., hosting speakers and films, contests, and activities). • Provides an impartial organization/group to assess and evaluate recycling programs and energy use in the residence halls. 

12. Program Outcomes • Projected tangible benefits: • If by employing Eco-Reps, the university can reduce trash generated in residence halls by 10%, the university can potentially save $6,000 in landfill disposal fees. • If we can reduce electricity costs (usage by students) in the residence halls (currently $800,000/year) by just one-percent (1.00%) the university can potentially save $8,000. • If the university can reduce current water usage in the halls ($360,000/year) by just one percent (1.00%), the university can potentially save $3,600.

13. Eco-Reps undergraduate students Partnering for Success Christina EricksonProgram Coordinator/ PhD Studentprovides direct coordination, project supervision, and mentoring of Eco-Reps, program development and evaluation Resource Peopleprovide technical assistance & advice Gioia ThompsonEnvironmental Coordinator Richard Wolbach Energy Management Engineer Corey BermanRecycling Program Assistant Stephanie KazaENVS Faculty John SamaLiving/Learning Director Eco-Reps Advisory Team Erica SpiegelWaste/Recycling Managerprovides program oversight, hiring, budget Res. Life Administration provide operating budget to Recycling program, and by extension, Eco-Reps program, connections to Res Life governance (CAB’s)

14. What do Eco-Reps do? Bulb swaps Bulletin boards Tabling Waste sorts Facility Tours

15. Handbook on Webpage

16. Value in face-to-face contact and personal interaction. • Importance of campus partnerships and collaborative relationships. • Finding a balance between a “structured program” and “creative environment” for both students and coordinators. • Gaining institutional support and resources is a challenge for all programs. • Need for development of evaluation indicators. • Successful program must ensure student accountability. • Emphasize tangible, action-oriented learning. Conclusions

17. Additional Resources AASHE Peer-to-Peer Outreach Resource List • http://www.aashe.org/resources/peer2peer.php National Eco-Reps Network Google Groups Page • http://groups.google.com/group/ecoreps?lnk=gschg Harvard University – How to start a “Green Living Program” Manual • http://www.greencampus.harvard.edu/greenteams/ch_three_rep.php

18. For more information http://www.uvm.edu/ecoreps Erica Spiegel UVM Recycling & Solid Waste Manager Erica.Spiegel@uvm.edu Christina Erickson Eco-Reps Program Coordinator Christina.Erickson@uvm.edu