Make the World a Greener Place
 Environmental problems — such as global warming — may sometimes seem insurmountable, but when groups of people put their energy together toward a common purpose, progress can be made. If you want to make a difference, find out from your college’s Student Programs and Resources Office if there is already a “green” group at your college. And hey, if there isn’t, why not get some friends together and start one?
Need a little inspiration? One example of the impact people can have working together is GREENRichland, an organization of Richland College staff, faculty and students.
GREENRichland was formed in 2005 by a few Richland employees who felt the time had come for a sustainability organization on campus. The group now has about 25 members who meet three times each semester and once in the summer to plan special events and monitor Richland’s environmental progress in such efforts as the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, which was signed by Richland President Steve Mittelstet in summer 2007.
Some of GREENRichland’s activities have included:
- holding a Sustainable Transportation Fair, which showcased high mileage/low polluting hybrid vehicles, traditional and electric bicycles, scooters and DART
- expanding recycling programs on campus
- beginning to integrate sustainability into the curriculum at Richland
- joining other colleges and universities nationwide in Focus the Nation, a global warming action/awareness event
David Henry, coordinator of international/ESL student services and one of GREENRichland’s founders, understands how hard it is for many DCCCD students to get involved on campus when they’re juggling school, work and family responsibilities. His advice to students at other DCCCD colleges: Consider getting faculty and staff involved in your efforts. The environment isn’t just a student concern — it affects everybody. And faculty and staff can carry the torch for your organization after you’ve graduated and moved on.
For more information:
- visit the GREENRichland Web site
- contact David Henry at ddhenry@dcccd.edu
- get in touch with student government president and GREENRichland member Li Dinh by contacting the Richland SPAR Office at 972-238-6130
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