The expansion of Penn’s Eco-Reps program next semester may make it easier for Greeks to go green.
Facilities and Real Estate Services will launch a pilot Eco-Reps program in Greek houses in the fall. Eco-Reps — a peer education initiative that aims to promote environmentally sustainable practices to students — has been active in Kings Court, Hill and Rodin college houses since October.
“People are more likely to listen to their peers,” Sustainability Associate and Eco-Reps Program Coordinator Julian Goresko said. “We wanted to make sure we had students talking to students about our goals as a university.”
According to Environmental Sustainability Coordinator Dan Garofalo, the expansion of Eco-Reps into Greek houses has been “a very bottom-up, organic development.” Many of the current Eco-Reps who joined fraternities and sororities have expressed an interest in continuing environmental engagement in chapters next year.
The program will build on existing interest in environmental issues within Greek chapters, FRES Sustainability Communications Associate Steve Belfiglio said. Participation in the Greek recycling program has doubled since its launch last year, said Belfigio, who helps coordinate the program.
Applications for the Greek Eco-Reps program next fall are currently open to all fraternity and sorority members.
“There’s a possibility that there could be an Eco-Rep in every chapter,” Goresco added. “I have no doubt that every brother and sister in Greek life has some interest in environmental issues.”
In addition to making Penn a more “eco-friendly university,” the Greek Eco-Reps program will be a “great opportunity” for leadership development, Wharton junior and Interfraternity Council President Christian Lunoe said.
- Eco-Reps have been active in Hill, Kings Court and Rodin college houses since October 2009 - Applications for Greek Eco-Reps program are now open to all Greek members and are due September 12
FRES staff members are still in conversation with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, the Panhellenic Council and the IFC to determine how the program will be funded. According to Garofalo, the existing Eco-Reps program relies on a “modest budget” from the Facilities Department.
“We can have a great program without spending tens and thousands of dollars,” he said. “It’s about culture change, and frankly that’s what fraternities and sororities are about anyway — building a culture around athletics, academics and service.”
- Eco-Reps have been active in Hill, Kings Court and Rodin college houses since October 2009 - Applications for Greek Eco-Reps program are now open to all Greek members and are due September 12
