ECO-ACTION

Currently the central active force of student environmentalism on campus, EcoAction traditionally meets every Tuesday at 6pm in Cuthbertson House, the Sustainable Residence. With a focus on reducing our impact on the earth, we take one light step at a time, acting towards positive change. You will find us working on all kinds of environmental issues on campus and in the local community, in some areas such as education, food, living and politics. For example, EcoAction coordinates the annual Campus Climate Challenge as an energy conservation competition. 

EcoAction invites new members or curious folk to join us at anytime.  Find out more at the annual SACtivities Fair in the fall or look to the SAC Clubs listing for more information and contacts.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES COMMITTEE

The EIC is comprised of staff, student, faculty, and community representatives and meets throughout the year.  It has been a place for collaboration and projects (such as putting forward the Emissions Reduction Policy) as well as networking between various environmental initiatives that are happening around campus. Contact Rob Inglis at ringlis@mta.ca for more information or check out their page on this site.

CUTHBERTSON HOUSE, MTA'S SUSTAINABLE RESIDENCE

Consider living in the Sustainable Residence as an alternative to the larger on-campus housing options.  With approximately a dozen residents, emphasis is placed on minimizing the human impact on the planet.  From household dinners to brainstorming cool projects, Cuthbertson is a great place to call home for the year. Check out their profile by clicking here. 

SAC ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

This SAC committee is comprised of student representatives and addresses environmental concerns and ideas of the SAC.  In 2010-2011, for example, the committee was in charge of reviewing applications and governing the Green Investment Fund (see below) as well as conducting an environmental audit about the SAC. 
Getting involved with the SAC on any level is a great way to immerse yourself in a variety of issues and projects.  Becoming more aware of your immediate campus surroundings and environment is the place to start, even if you are not quite ready to break out the granola.  Check out their website, or e-mail sac@mta.ca, for general information as well as opportunities with the Environmental Affairs Committee.

GIF PROJECT IDEAS

The Green Investment Fund (GIF) is the product of a $10 contribution by every student as a part of their SAC fees.  The GIF is governed by the SAC Environmental Affairs Committee, and is used to financially support green capital projects submitted by students, staff, faculty, and the general public.  Priority is generally placed on projects that reduce the greatest amount of carbon emissions in the shortest amount of time. For more information on how this fund began and its current status, visit their website.

LEADERSHIP MOUNT ALLISON PROJECTS

Leadership Mount Allison is a comprehensive program that bridges academic and extra-curricular activities. The program is designed to foster leadership abilities among Mount Allison students. This opportunity will enable them to initiate positive change in their present and future communities by encouraging community involvement, social activism, civic responsibility, and active engagement with the issues they care about.  If you care about the environment and have an idea, look into how this program can support you.  Past projects are listed on the website so you can get an idea of what has been funded previously and whether your idea might be suitable. 

Click here to access the Leadership MTA website. See the ‘LINKS’ page for more ways to get involved outside of the campus.

It is also important to remember that even if your heart lies in the world of environmentalism and bottled-water protests, it is no less ‘green’ to get involved in areas that attract a variety of people and projects.  Consider being on the planning committee for an event or a campaign and proposing alternatives to Styrofoam cups or disposable decorations as a form of promoting environmental sustainability.  Whatever you choose to do, have fun and spread the word for a healthy planet.