Sustainability is all around us- it can be a hobby, passion, major, career, or any combination. For me, sustainability is something I have the opportunity to explore in the classroom and practice in my community. As the Vice President of Sustainability for the Panhellenic Executive Council, my community happens to be thirteen chapter houses and two associate chapters consisting of over 1500 campus women. I have the unique opportunity to guide the sustainable advancement of these women and their Panhellenic organizations. I am impressed with the progress that this community has made with environmentally conscious decisions and increased sustainability education.
If you take a house tour in a Panhellenic chapter you will notice composting, recycling, e-waste disposal, water saving tools, and various other green features. Beyond the environmental amenities, the Greek community is full of active and engaged advocates for sustainability. Each chapter has a sustainability representative to provide educational modules, initiate long-term projects, and attend regular sustainability roundtables to collaborate as community. I am constantly inspired by their ambitions to improve the community through campus clean ups, green certifying events, and even building a roof top garden!
As for what is next for the Panhellenic sustainability community, I am looking forward to leading a Green Seal certification to identify exceptionally sustainable houses, and partnering with campus organizations to increase our educational impact. I am humbled to help lead such a passionate group of women, and I truly believe the Panhellenic community is able to represent the strengths of Berkeley: leadership, scholarship, friendship, service, and now sustainability.
Go Greek and Go Green!
