Andrew Francis '11 is an Environmental Studies major and Communication Studies minor. He is active at Colby-Sawyer in a variety of organizations, including Student Government Association, Colby-Sawyer Players, Community Council and Colby-Sawyer Singers. He is also a founding member and president of Students for a Greener Campus, a new group in its first year.
What is the purpose of Students for a Greener Campus?
Our mission is to promote environmental sustainability, and awareness of the subject, on the college campus.
What does the club do?
We are in the process of placing recycling bins on every floor of every residence hall. Other projects are petitioning to remove bottled water from campus vending machines, and holding an eco-leaders summit for student leaders on campus.
Why did you get involved and seek a leadership role, and how does the club complement your studies, interests?
I felt there was not a lot of student activity when it came to green initiatives on campus. We cannot expect the college to pull all of the weight when it comes to the environment; change must also come from the students. I am an Environmental Studies major, so what I am doing right now, is something that I hope to continue after college.
How many members does this club have?
We have about 40 students on our e-mail list, and more who have expressed interest in the club. This is our first year, so we are excited at the student response. Professor Nick Baer is our advisor, and he provides a lot of help in identifying ways to get students engaged in the club.
How does this club complement your academic studies?
As an Environmental Studies major, s I am right at home with this club. It is something I would like to continue after I leave college. Being part of Students for a Greener Campus makes me feel good about myself. It also makes me feel good to know that students are doing something to help the environment.
What goals do you have for this club?
We would like to continue to implement policy that GreenROUTES has created, but more importantly, we would like to see a change in the culture of Colby-Sawyer students when it comes to the environment.
When you talk about this group, what are people most curious or confused about?
Most people are curious about how they can help, or where they can start. We now have a web site www.greencsc.org that is updated every week with tips and facts to help students green their dorm life. Anyone who is interested in promoting a positive change on campus would feel at home with us. As a club, we have the opportunity to push forward many positive environmental programs, but we can't do it without the students!
Students for a Greener Campus meets every Thursday at 5 p.m. in the Thornton Living Room in Colgate Hall. Students interested in getting involved are welcome to attend.
For more on environmental efforts on campus, read sophomore Amber Cronin's recent article Moving Toward a Greener Future.
