A greener campus thanks to Ecopledge

Even if you don't know their name, you've seen the results of their efforts around campus. From a new system for separating trash in the dining halls to the light bulbs in your residence halls and recycling totes on Upper Campus, the members of Ecopledge have been working throughout the year to make Boston College a greener university, and they have even bigger plans for next year.

Led by seniors Katherine Walsh, A&S '08; Peggy Fox, A&S '08; Merril Putnam, A&S '08; Jessica Young, A&S '08; and Katie Cava, A&S '08, Ecopledge has worked with Deirdre Manning, the recently appointed director of sustainability and energy management, on a number of initiatives as a part of the University's BConserves campaign. In RecycleMania, a nationwide competition, BC placed 14th out of more than 200 universities and colleges, jumping two places from last year, and is recycling at a rate of 38.72 percent, compared to last year's rate of 33.63 percent and 17.8 percent in 2006. BC was ranked even higher statewide, placing second out of nine participating Massachusetts schools.

The 10-week competition reflects merely a fraction of the strides Ecopledge has been making all year long in its effort to reduce waste, increase the rate of recycling, improve methods of conservation, and educate and engage students in conservation efforts. In addition to an environmental film series and events like Earth Day, the members of Ecopledge have worked to inform students during their Bulb Brigade, when students replaced incandescent light bulbs in residence halls and faculty offices with lower wattage, brighter fluorescent bulbs.

"The Bulb Brigade is great in two aspects. One, you are saving energy and saving BC money, and two, it's a great educational piece. People are becoming more aware," Walsh said. "We've had a lot of positive responses, and their rooms have actually been brighter."

Ecopledge has also been advocating for an environmental sustainability assessment report that would look at all aspects of BC life in terms of conservation and sustainability, allowing administrators and activists to analyze current information and suggest future practices that could help make the campus greener. As of last week, the group had collected over 1,750 signatures.

"In the last few years, it really has become obvious to the administration that this is an issue a lot of people on campus care about," Walsh said. "I hope the administration really listens to and puts into action the request that we've asked for."

The members of Ecopledge and Manning have been busy expanding existing initiatives and providing the foundation for future ones, and have recently looked for additional financial support to fund their numerous projects. This spring, Ecopledge won a Conscious Lifestyle Youth Venture grant, providing the group with an initial $650 stipend and the promise to match additional donations gathered from outside sources, as well as workshops and guidance to help their work in the future. This money, in addition to a $500 grant from Newton Conservators, Inc., will help fund an organic garden on Hammond Street. Donated tools and discounted rain barrels have already been gathered to support the garden, which the group hopes will serve as an educational space for University classes and for area children.

Putnam, who spearheaded the applications for the grants, said that Ecopledge had accomplished a lot already, but does not plan on slowing their efforts any time soon.

"We've really done great things this semester," Putnam said. "But there is still a lot left to do in terms of changing kids' habits and making it easier for them to do these things."

For all their contributions to the BC community, Ecopledge was awarded the 2008 "Ever to Excel" student leadership award by the Office of the Dean for Student Development (ODSD). Manning said the group was absolutely deserving of the award as the members of Ecopledge continue to make the campus greener.

"They are a really great group of people with a lot of great ideas and enthusiasm who really gave us the additional resources for Facilities [Services] and who we're really glad about working with," Manning said. "That's one of the main reasons why the ODSD decided to give them the 'Ever to Excel' Award for their outstanding contribution to BC."

Ecopledge continues to work with the administration for the establishment of a sustainability Web site, which would contain information about events on campus as well as tips for students regarding companies that utilize sustainable practices, ways students can conserve water and energy, and information on recycling. Walsh said there are a lot of little changes that students can make in their daily lives that will make a difference and will help the environment, if they only become aware of them.

"It's just so easy, but when you're first starting, you have to be conscious about it, and that's what makes it into a habit," Walsh said. "We're hoping that environmental or green life will no longer be the 'alternative,' but that it just becomes the regular."