Wesleyan’s Green Team Raises Awareness of Sustainability Efforts on Campus
During the academic year, Wesleyan’s Green Team is researching, communicating and implementing effective strategies that increase sustainability within their own departments and the university.
Since 2014, the team has started sharing a “Green Minute” at Administrative Assistant meetings; purchased utensils to distribute to staff at annual meetings; installed a water cooler in Woodhead Lounge; encourages staff to bring their own cup or mug to meetings; received funding to install cabinets to house dishes in Woodhead Lounge to be used for key events; and encouraged the placement of houseplants in office spaces.
They’re currently focusing their efforts on managing waste sustainability, making sustainable purchases, reducing energy in their departments and encouraging colleagues to shift the culture of their areas and be sustainable.
“I truly enjoy working with my peers to raise awareness of the sustainability efforts on campus,” said Green Team member Valerie Marinelli, administrative assistant for the College of the Environment. “I especially like working on projects with practical solutions that result in reducing waste and saving money to make the University a better place.”
The Green Team shares their efforts, goals and ideas with Provost Joyce Jacobsen and the Office of Academic Affairs. Academic Affairs has been supportive of the Green Team since its beginning in 2014.
The Green Team is always open to new members. For more information on the Green Team, e-mail Anika Dane or Blanche Meslin. Also, visit the Green Team’s Green Tips page for ideas on how to make your office more sustainable!