MHC Green Living Council

What is the Green Living Council?

The MHC Green Living Council is a residential program to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility among Mount Holyoke students. The Green Living Council is composed of students dedicated to encouraging sustainable behavior among students within the residential community. 

Student members of the GLC include Green Living Representatives, who are elected to represent each residential hall, and ECO-Reps, who work for the Environmental Stewardship office. The GLC works closely with the Center for the Environment, Environmental Stewardship, and Residential Life to develop education programs focused on green living within the residence halls.  Educational topics will include energy and climate change, water conservation, recycling, waste reduction, sustainable foods. The student ECO-Reps will coordinate the activities of the Council.

Being a Green Living Rep on the Green Living Council is a wonderful opportunity to take on a leadership role, meet a great group of students, hone your advocacy skills, and have a positive impact on your campus and the world.   All that is needed to run for this office is an interest in environmental issues, enthusiasm, and commitment.  All Green Living Reps will receive training and information about environmental sustainability throughout the year.

What are the Responsibilities of a Green Living Rep?

Serving on the Green Living Council is a significant, yet very rewarding, time commitment. As a Green Living Rep, you will serve as a Green Living expert and environmental advocate, linking your residence hall and the GLC. You will be responsible for promoting environmental stewardship and sustainability in your residence hall through educational programs and other activities. There will be many valuable educational opportunities, such as environmental stewardship training workshops, that will be available to support you in your role as a Green Living Rep.
 
Specific responsibilities for a Green Living Rep include:

• Participate in workshops throughout the year to learn about Green Living opportunities and techniques for promoting environmental awareness
• Represent your residence hall on the Green Living Council
• Attend meetings of the entire Green Living Council twice a semester
• Participate in small groups with other Green Living Reps and ECO-Reps twice a month
• Plan and implement behavior change projects associated with environmental stewardship and outreach events in your residence hall
• Collect data on environmental performance (e.g., waste or energy audits, shower length surveys)
• Help coordinate inter-dorm competitions (e.g., Kill-a-Watt)
• Engage with other students in your residence to encourage sustainable behaviors
• Distribute materials related to sustainability initiatives and events
• Prepare programming for the Green Living bulletin board in your residence hall
• Participate regularly in online discussion forums with other Green Living Reps

Green Living Council Representatives

ECO-Representatives