So, you are thinking about getting involved with environmental activities at Dartmouth! Good choice! Coming into the environmental groups at Dartmouth-the greenest ivy-might seem a little daunting at first because of the sheer plethora of groups and projects with which you can get involved. But have no fear: this quick guide will give you the information you need to test the waters of different groups and see what you might want to try out!

Here’s the run down:

First we have ECO, the Environmental Conservation Organization, run through the Tucker Foundation. ECO was founded by members of another campus organization to deal with on-campus environmental needs, such as recycling, composting, purchasing, etc. ECO is run through two groups of students. First, there is an “ECO-rep” program which utilizes ECO members of the floors of each residence facility who keep members aware of ECO themes, updates, and maintains their recycling bins, etc. It is a great, low-key commitment! ECO also runs an intern program, which hires interns through several departments to begin/continue environmental projects throughout Dartmouth, such as recycling! composting in dining halls, the introduction of silverware into the Collis Cafe, working on recycling issues with the Greek Houses, tracking the energy usage of the College, etc.

Next, we have the Dartmouth Outing Club, which is an umbrella organization for a number of environmentally oriented groups on campus, including: Bait and Bullet, Cabin and Trail (hiking, maintaining trails, diner tours), the cycling club, the Mountaineering Club (rock and ice climbing) and Ledyard Canoe Club. You can also rent all sort of equipment from the DOC for any outdoor activities you might want to try!

The Environmental Studies Division (ESD) of the DOC is more activist oriented than others housed by the DOC. ESD looks to keep students current on environmental news on the national and international level, while looking to lend a hand teaching local school children to have an appreciation of nature. ESD is also working to begin a “Sustainable Living Center” as a residence facility and way of life at Dartmouth.

Environmentalism would not be complete without looking at how our personal food choices affect the world around us. Thus, another arena through which to get involved hands-on is through the Dartmouth Organic Farm, located three miles north of campus-a great opportunity to learn about organic farming, food, and cooking (with regular potlucks and farm events-see article on page .

A group of environmental studies students have also recently begun a gleaning program with local farms and food banks, whereby food that would have been wasted or rotted will be “gleaned” and then prepared by students and delivered to food shelters. (For more information see article pA or blitz B 12.)

Further, another project to get involved with combines local farmers, community organization Vital Communities, Dartmouth Dining Services and students love for food. This unlikely conglomerate of organizations is working together to provide local produce within our dining halls, purchased by Dartmouth Dining Services. (To get keyed into this campaign, feel free to contact Brooking Gatewood or myself!)

Stemming from this, the Tucker Foundation has hired Beth Halpern, an AmeriCorp VISTA to teach a COMMUniversITY class this coming fall. The most recent COMMUniversITY was taught on Housing issues. In the fall, we have the opportunity to study issues relating to food. (See article p. 4 or just turn the page to find out more!)

On the same theme, we also have the Dartmouth Vegetarian Alliance, which meets weekly and holds awareness building events, potlucks, and works through DDS to generally make vegetarian/vegan living at Dartmouth easier and more accessible to the average student! Omnivores and carnivores are also free to join our ranks!

The Dartmouth College Greens are another activist organization that is based loosely upon the principles (Ten Key Values) of the Green Party platform. Often involved in campaigns for social or political justice, the Greens would be psyched to put on events or awareness building campaigns for the Dartmouth community on environmental issues.

Finally, there is a conference each fall for intra-ivy environmental campaigns and activities, the Greening of the Ivies Conference. This year’s will be held at Brown University the third weekend in October. At each conference, the students decide upon campaigns to run together as the Ivy League institutions. To keep the excitement, coordination, and co-aide on campaigns continuing through the year, the Ivy League Environmental Coalition was created. ILEC, still in its early stages, consists of one to three point people per institution who meet bi-weekly or monthly via conference call to coordinate activities and update each other on the happenings of their respective institution. This is a great way for first year students to become involved in environmental work at Dartmouth and meet some amazing people. Each school is now 1) gearing up for the Conference (anyone is welcome to attend) and 2) determining new ILEC representatives (any year, including freshmen, are welcome and encouraged to join). This year’s campaign focuses on Greenhouse gas emissions from our schools and how/what we can do to raise awareness in the student body and work to reduce our environmental impact through our administration and environmental reporting.

Well, that’s the basic run-down of environmental goodness at Dartmouth! There is much more going on than can ever be listed, and there is always room and excitement for new campaigns, new faces, and new enthusiasm and leadership! To get involved in any of the activities or groups listed above, please “blitz” them (as I am sure you 07’s have learned enough about!) to find out their weekly meeting times! Good luck and I’ll see you at meetings!

SueDu is the peppiest ‘05 Environmental Studies Major at Dartmouth. Someday she hopes to encounter someone who enjoys food, exclamation points, and smiling as much as she does. Blitz her if you qualify!!!