UK EcoReps host events to educate campus community about sustainability

The University of Kentucky EcoRep program is an intern-led program established in 2017 as part of UK Recycling’s goals to increase recycling and waste diversion efforts on campus.  This program’s goal is to help educate fellow students on different aspects of sustainability throughout the school year.

EcoReps serve as sustainability ambassadors in their residence hall as they provide outreach, organize and participate in events and help further the university’s sustainability goals. The following is authored by Kathryn Tutwiler, UK Recycling’s EcoReps coordinator for this academic year.

When I took over as the EcoReps coordinator this academic year, I decided to incorporate different aspects of UK’s 2017-2022’s Sustainability Strategic Plan (SSP) into the events each EcoRep hosted in order to assure those attending the events would receive a well-rounded education in sustainability.

I incorporated the SSP by dividing the EcoReps into interest groups based on the seven different strategies outlined in the plan (materials management, energy, food and dining services, transportation, buildings and grounds, greenhouse gas emissions and water), allowing the EcoReps to choose their groups based on which area they were passionate about.