4
3-star green-certified restaurants on campus
100%
Main campus is powered by renewable energy
100%
Res halls rated EPA Energy Star (1st US university to do so!)
What is Sustainability Advocates?
Sustainability Advocates is a residence hall peer-to-peer education and engagement program that aims to encourage sustainable thought and action across campus. The program is managed by the Engagement and Outreach Intern at the Sustainability Institute and implemented by the Sustainability Advocates within the residence halls.
"Throughout my experience as an Advocate, socials have been one of the most fun parts. Planning these socials with your Hall Council and engaging students is beneficial for other leadership opportunities you may encounter at UNH and in the future. Having to plan the marketing and coordinating with a team is especially helpful for future employment opportunities. Although socials looked a lot different this year due to COVID-19, they were still fun to plan. It's a rewarding feeling to see all your hard work at an event when residents attend. Advocate socials focus on sustainability, and many Advocates ran socials that were unique to them and their dorms." ~ Amy Overhulser '24, Human Development and Family Studies
Interested in learning more about the program?
We view sustainability as a collective commitment to human dignity for all people and ecological integrity in all places. It is built upon an inter-generational, ethical obligation that holds social justice, collaboration, and inclusive prosperity to be essential to fulfill diverse human potential and preserve the health of the planet upon which we all depend.
"I enjoyed being an active part of my Hall Council and weighing in with a sustainable perspective when planning hall socials and events. Additionally, I enjoyed interacting with residents and improving their knowledge of how to be sustainable. I was surprised by how interested they were in being sustainable!"
~Eli Duggan '23, Bioengineering
Members Work Together Toward Goals
The primary campus level goals are to:
- Educate students about topics in sustainability at the individual, campus, and community level,
- Encourage students about ways to implement sustainable practices within their lives and their communities, and
- Connect students to resources and opportunities to gain volunteer and/or professional experience in sustainability.
To achieve these goals, the Sustainability Advocates work with their hall councils to develop and host sustainability focused events within or between their residence halls. These events merge creativity, education, and engagement, showing hall residents that sustainability is important, personal, and fun. Common events include campus clean-ups, movie nights, recycling sort competitions, etc.
At an advocate level, the primary goals are to:
- Lead by example as a peer educator and sustainability initiator,
- Gain leadership, communication, and planning skills,
- Connect with like-minded individuals through dialogue and teamwork, and
- Learn from and connect with sustainability professionals.
To achieve these goals, the Engagement and Outreach Intern hosts weekly meetings to educate the Sustainability Advocates about sustainability on- and off-campus, guides discussions with the Sustainability Advocates about current events in the sustainability field, and helps the Sustainability Advocates plan residence hall events. The Engagement and Outreach Intern also invites guest speakers to meetings and arranges field trips to allow the Sustainability Advocates to learn from and connect with sustainability professionals.
Sustainability Advocates Spotlights
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2021-22 Sustainability Advocate, Sawyer HallSydney was a second-year student studying Environmental Engineering with a minor in French. On campus, she was an avid member of the ‘Cat Pack Captains and thoroughly enjoyed cheering on the various athletic teams that UNH had to offer. She believed that sustainability is a necessary part of day-to-day life and strived to educate her peers on its importance. One of her favorite parts of being a…Learn More -
2021-22 Sustainability Advocate, Peterson HallOlivia was a second-year student studying Marine, Estuarine, and Freshwater Biology. On campus, she was a Sustainability Advocate for her residence hall as well as an Intramural Representative. Additionally, she worked as a Campus Recreation Employee at the UNH Hamel Rec Center. During fall semester, she held a social in which miniature succulent plants were potted in reusable items such as cups…Learn More -
2021-22 Sustainability Advocate, Haaland HallTristan was a first-year student studying Environmental Conservation and Sustainability. Previously, he worked on several coastline restoration projects including coral reef surveys, mangrove replanting, and beach clean-ups. On campus, he volunteered as a Sustainability Advocate and pursued additional volunteer opportunities through Nature Groupie. During fall semester, he organized a plastic bag…Learn More -
2021-22 Sustainability Advocate, Engelhardt HallIan was a third-year student studying Mechanical Engineering with minors in Computer Science and History. On campus, Ian was involved with the University Honors Program, Precision Racing Team, Shotgun Team, and History Club. He also worked as a Mechanical Engineering Intern at DEKA Research and Development in Manchester for two summers. Ian was passionate about being sustainable in his everyday…Learn More -
2021-22 Sustainability Advocate, Upper QuadLizzie was a first-year student studying Wildlife and Conservation Biology. She was passionate about preserving the planet’s species and environments. On campus, she was a member of the Craft Crazy, Organic Gardening Club, and New Hampshire Outing Club. During fall semester, she hosted a bag decorating social to educate her residence hall about reducing plastic waste. Learn More
