Each month we provide information on different opportunities students and employees have to get involved on campus and in the community. These opportunities range from simple on-campus clubs and organizations to immersion trips throughout the country, or even world, over breaks. Since Sustainability is such a broad topic, we try to provide a large selection of options for Missouri State students. For this installment of Get Involved, we are focusing on faculty and staff involvement.
Are you a faculty or staff member who is looking to get more involved on campus? Would you also like to reduce your environmental footprint? Then we’ve got the organization for you. Consider joining or leading your own Green Team! It’s only the best way for employees to get involved in sustainability at Missouri State.
In the last 2 years, the Green Team program has grown from 5 to 27 teams across campus. All of the people in these teams have different roles directed toward reducing waste, saving energy as well as water, and overall creating a more sustainable campus. They also help educate students, faculty, and staff about best practices in sustainability and even earn recognition for their efforts on campus. Finally, Green Teams create a collegiate atmosphere of cooperation among different units of the University, while promoting a friendly competition.
Both offices and departments can earn leaves by participating in different aspects of the program. Leaf One Green Teams have completed the Green Office Certification Checklist and Leaf Two Teams focus more on engaging peers and setting goals to be more sustainable as a department or office. New applications become available as the program grows, so start forming more groups to open up more opportunities!
Starting a Green Team in your office or department is easy!
1.) Check the website to see if there’s already a team in your area
2.) If there isn’t, select an Eco-Ambassador for your office
This person will serve as the primary contact for your Green Team. The Eco-Ambassador will also complete the Green Team application and attend a short orientation.
3.) Complete the entire Green Team application packet
4.) Compile a member list for your office or department
This includes faculty, staff and students with office space – these individuals make up your Green Team. You can also add members to your team each time you apply for a Leaf.
5.) Complete the certification checklist included in your packet
6.) Submit your application
7.) Start educating your coworkers and creating a more sustainable campus
The process is a little different if you’d like to become a Leaf Two Team
If you would like to become a Leaf Two Green Team, your office or department must set goals to become more sustainable and focus on engaging and educating your peers. In order to identify areas of improvement and potential projects, Eco-Ambassadors must complete a Green Team consult with the Sustainability Coordinator before becoming a Leaf Two Team. You will then choose at least three of the six projects listed in the application packet and explain how you implemented the project, including details on the outcome.
Make sure you submit your completed applications electronically!
You can submit completed applications to Jordan Schanda, Sustainability Coordinator: JordanSchanda@missouristate.edu