The Sustainable Living Program, which was relaunched in fall 2017, is a way for students living on campus to deepen their level of engagement with sustainability at Lehigh! Through this voluntary, self-guided program coordinated by the Eco-Rep Leadership Program, students in residence halls and Greek houses can learn about the impact of their day-to-day living habits and reduce their environmental impact.
Most of the actions on the checklist require only minor adjustments in day-to-day living habits, yet they have the potential to make a significant impact! Some of these actions include: having and using a recycling bin in your room, turning off the faucet when brushing your teeth, taking appropriate food portions at the dining hall that avoid food waste, and using the stairs instead of the elevator (if possible!). Elise Thren ‘21, who certified her room said, “...The checklist is pretty extensive so I’ve learned other ways to be sustainable.” She explains why she applied to the Program saying, “I wanted to see how environmentally conscious I was being in my own living space and since I completed the checklist I have been more likely to use less energy and waste less.” By taking action in a variety of topic areas through a checklist, students can contribute to Lehigh’s sustainability goals and commitments and help build a campus community for the 21st century.
Students, like Elise, that certify their room through the Sustainable Living Program are recognized for their leadership and initiative by receiving a level-based prize (based on the number of actions they are able to complete on the checklist). The levels of certification are as follows:
Are you interested in applying to the Sustainable Living Program? Apply today!
Through the Sustainable Living Program, we hope to incentivize more sustainable living habits in Lehigh’s residence halls and Greek houses!
Click here to find out more about Lehigh University’s Sustainable Living Program!