On August 26, first-year students signed the first ever TCNJ Green Pledge to help cultivate a culture of sustainability on campus. Organized by Sustainable TCNJ, which is part of the Environment Team at the Bonner Center, the Green Pledge asked first-year students to select three particular goals and sign so as to promote “environmentally conscientious” students at TCNJ, according to site leader, Erica Hernandez.
The goals included on the Green Pledge included:
- Turn off or hibernate my computer and other electrical devices when not in use
- Print wisely, reuse and recycle
- Unplug appliances when not in use – phone, iPod/MP3 player, laptop and Wii chargers
- Place recyclables in respective containers (cans, bottles, paper, cardboard)
- Turn off water when brushing my teeth and take shorter showers
- Only wash full loads of laundry, and wash single items by hand
Students were also given the option to write down their own personalized green pledge as well.
The overall purpose of these goals is to increase water and energy conservation and reduce the carbon emissions of the College.
“Throughout the year we’re going to remind students of their pledges,” Hernandez said, through events such as dorm competitions. For example, students of Travers and Wolfe will be encouraged reduce waste when they are competing against the carbon emissions of previous months or years.
There will also be Earth Hour, a community engaged learning day, on March 31, 2012 in which the College will turn off the lights and powers for one hour to take a stand against climate change. The hour, which begins at 8:30 PM, will include reflection and education about sustainability at the College.
For students who are interested in getting more involved with Sustainable TCNJ and the environment team, they are encouraged to consider becoming a B-Vol. For more information on being a Bonner volunteer, please visit this link. For more information on Sustainable TCNJ, please visit the program’s Facebook page here.