There are many different groups at Ohio University that help positively affect environmental action on campus. I have highlighted three different organizations that have not only played a significant role in my own awareness, but are constantly looking for students to get involved.
There are many different groups at Ohio University that help positively affect environmental action on campus. I have highlighted three different organizations that have not only played a significant role in my own awareness, but are constantly looking for students to get involved.
The first is Sustainable Ohio University Leaders. SOUL is an organization that works with OU’s Office of Sustainability, Ecology and Energy Conservation Committee. SOUL has formed a practicum for students to take and receive credit for the work they accomplish within the group. Though it may be too late to receive credit, you don’t have to be a part of the practicum to attend meetings and help make an impact.
SOUL has four sub-groups that all meet once a month. These meetings are held on Wednesday’s from 3:30-5 in Baker 239. The four sub-groups are Built Environment, Outreach and Education, Waste Reduction, and Energy Efficiency. The meetings are engaging and a great way to interact with other students, grad students, faculty members and any other concerned parties. The group began in January 2013, and is still growing while making a positive impact.
The second is OU’s Sierra Student Coalition, which stems from the nation’s largest environmental organization, the Sierra Club. OUSSC is a group of environmentally-conscious activists, focused on environmental leadership on and off campus. They played a big part in last year’s Bobcats Beyond Gas campaign that has since opened the conversation on what to do with the Lausche Heating Plant that currently runs on coal.
Not only does the OUSSC organize discussions and activities to help educate and change the environment in Athens, but there is still plenty of room for fun. The group may attend the Pawpaw Festival next weekend and many members will be going to the People’s Climate March in New York City from Sept. 19-21. Meetings are generally held Thursday nights at 7 in Ellis Hall.
Another group is OU’s Eco Reps. Eco Reps’ main goal is education. The organization also focuses on volunteer work, like planting trees in Wayne National Forest. Meetings for Eco Reps are very discussion-based, but also provide opportunities for students to speak out on areas of sustainability that are important to them. Meetings are on Tuesday in Baker 239 at 6:30pm and like the other groups listed, all are welcome!
All three groups approach environmental topics in different ways, while still having the same goals of education and better environmental life on campus. I can attest that all three groups are also filled with fun and intellectually stimulating conversation. If you are looking for a way to get involved, care about the environment or both, come check out one or all of these fantastic groups.
Grant Stover is a sophomore studying English and a concerned environmentalist. Interested in finding out more about SOUL, OUSSC or Eco Reps? Email him at gs155412@ohio.edu
