Targeting off-campus life and sustainability

Eco-Reps and the Associated Student Government’s (ASG) Sustainability Committee are teaming up to make off-campus life more sustainable next year. Both groups have met with the city of Evanston’s Office of Sustainability and Citizens for a Greener Evanston to discuss opportunities to collaborate. Their plans include creating a Green Off-Campus Living Guide, which will be similar to the Green Living Guide in providing tips and tools for saving energy and water, alternative transportation options, and reducing waste off campus.  

ASG’s Sustainability Committee will be working with Evanston groups to create an Evanston “Green Business Certification,” to make it easy for the Evanston community to choose to patronize “green” restaurants and businesses. “The idea of a Green Business Certification has proven successful in other cities, it allows those small business owners who are going the extra mile to get recognition for their efforts and gives those new to sustainability a place to start,”said NU’s Director of Sustainability, Rob Whittier.

Eco-Reps serve to inform, educate, and engage students on sustainable opportunities at NU, last year they focused on on-campus living in the residential colleges, halls, and Greek chapters, but they are thrilled to begin reaching out to the off-campus community as well. If you are interested in learning more about these projects email Nora Ritcher.