The Washington University Green Ambassador (WUGA) program launched in 2013 and gives students the opportunity to become sustainability leaders across campus. This year, 30 WUGAs completed training and are volunteering across residence halls, dining facilities, and at large events to help first-year students with waste sorting and to provide sustainability resources. Over the first 40 days of the semester, they helped achieve near-zero waste at several major events, including Celebration in the Quad, the Graduate BBQ, Taste of St. Louis, and First Floor Dinner. They also assisted with alternative transportation outreach in anticipation of WashU’s bi-annual Active Transportation Month.
Over the course of the semester, WUGAs are continuing to foster sustainability through the implementation of team projects in one of four focus areas:
- The Compost and Recycling team is working with the Office of Sustainability to update signage and expand waste sorting education and outreach to students and other WashU community members.
- Energy Usage and Efficiency team members are coordinating a “Power Up?” series on November 29-30. Activities will include tabling with information on energy efficiency, a panel discussion on sustainable energy sources, and a film screening.
- The Water Conservation team is developing signage and other outreach materials to showcase the relative water impacts of different foods. They are also planning an event to take place on March 22, 2017 in conjunction with World Water Day.
- Food and Dining team members are helping plan and volunteer during WashU’s third annual Food Week from October 24-28.