EcoReps Ease Our Environmental Footprint
EcoReps is a peer-to-peer sustainability education program at NMU. It is designed to give students the resources and knowledge to solve environmental, economic and social sustainability issues. Our goal is to support all facets of sustainability, and JEDI Principles (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) are among our core values. We organize campus-wide programming, carry out collaborative projects and represent the program at on- and off-campus events. We also evaluate proposals to the Green Fund, a student-paid fee that funds sustainable student-led initiatives on campus. Any student can submit a proposal to improve sustainability at NMU. Since it was established in 2016, more than $100,000 has been put toward a dozen projects on campus!
Grace Freed
Co-Director, Environmental Studies & Sustainability Major
“Our collective future, and that of generations to come, is of the utmost importance to me. I’m committed to doing all that I can to protect this future, ensuring that everyone can thrive on our shared planet for centuries. Given our campus’s close physical proximity and relationship with nature, students witness firsthand the consequences of climate change, fueling a deep-rooted care for our environment. In the future, I hope to amplify education surrounding climate change and translate this awareness into tangible actions taken by individuals and even influence public policy geared towards sustainability.”
Grace Listopad
Co-Director, Sustainable Business and Enterprise Creation Major
“I am a part of EcoReps because it allows me to make changes at NMU while having a community behind me for support. I look forward to seeing more sustainable changes on campus, but we are trending the right way! I am passionate about the environment and sustainability because we only have one world and the beauty of Mother Earth needs to be preserved. I want my future children to be able to enjoy the world the way I am.”
Taryn Andersen
Social Media Intern, Environmental Science Major
“Fortunately, NMU has the Green Fund, an amazing opportunity to gather ideas from students and make NMU more sustainable. Some examples include the rain garden, solar panels on Presque Isle Avenue, a clover lawn and even more. As the years continue, campus will be able to become even more sustainable with initiatives from students across campus. On top of that, as I continue in my education I will be gaining knowledge in environmental science in hopes of working in natural resources.”
Lewis Goff
Outreach Intern, Sustainable Business and Enterprise Creation Major
“Going to Northern, you can tell sustainability is a big part of who we are. I feel like NMU has been very responsive and has worked hard to create opportunities for students to get directly involved with improving sustainability on campus. My education and involvement in organizations like EcoReps will hopefully serve as a launchpad into a career of serving both people and the environment.”
Mollie Haremza
Outreach Intern, Biology Major
“I really admire the culture of sustainability on NMU’s campus. Compared to other schools I’ve been to, it is very evident that the students of NMU genuinely care about the environment and protecting it. Through EcoReps I hope to not only help to educate others on sustainability, but also to grow my own sustainability practices. I believe that there is not one ‘perfect’ way to be sustainable, but I do hope to learn more ways that I can live a more sustainable life.”
For more information on EcoReps and to see a highlight video of the Green Fund at NMU, go to the link below.