Resources for Eco-Ambassadors Ideas for campaigns, outreach materials, and general resources for use during your time as an Eco Ambassador – and beyond!
University President Monaco joined the 2014 Eco-Ambassadors for the annual luncheon.
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About the Program Staff and faculty play an important role in campus culture. They are often the stalwarts of their offices and thus are in the perfect position to practice and spread environmentally friendly behaviors. Through an education- and action-focused curriculum, the Eco-Ambassador (EA) program provides participants with the resources, skills, and knowledge necessary to effect change, serve as leaders, and promote sustainable behaviors both in their offices and in the larger Tufts community. Using the tools, information, and competencies developed during two sessions facilitated by the Tufts Office of Sustainability, Eco-Ambassadors lead departmental efforts to implement, and educate colleagues about, environmentally sustainable practices and receive ongoing resources and support from the Office of Sustainability. Participants who complete the program are eligible to receive a $100 grant from the Office of Sustainability to implement a “green� project in their office.
This booklet is intended to assist Tufts University Eco-Ambassadors, but sustainability leaders at other universities and organizations may find it helpful.
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Outreach Tools and Ideas •
Create a webpage: Use a blogging website like WordPress for a simple, easy, and visually appealing format.
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Share pictures of your events, links to research your employees undertake, etc. with @greentufts on Twitter
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Send out monthly emails: Offer advice, information, and an interesting video or two.
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Start a Green Team: Engage others in your office or department’s
Twitter is a user-friendly option for sharing information about the sustainability initiatives you and your colleagues undertake.
sustainability efforts.
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Emily Edwards presents on her research into styrofoam alternatives and disposal, part of her efforts to improve sustainability at SciTech.
Campaign Ideas Having trouble coming up with a new, exciting campaign for your office? Review the social marketing
• Office Waste Reduction: Joanie Tobin (University Relations and Publications) outlined goals, steps towards reduction, progress tracking, and postcampaign continuity
outline to help you identify problems or areas for improved sustainability and to build a campaign from there.
• Highlight Commuting Resources: Amanda Yost Parker (80 George Street) hosted MassRides to talk to employees about the benefits of commuting alternatives
Additionally, reach out to the Education & Outreach Program
• Start a Terracycle program in your office
Administrator for help.
• Get Green Office Certified using our checklist • Sustainable Tech Improvements: Jeanne Eisenhaure (Office of the Vice Provost) replaced heavy Poland Spring water jugs with more eco-friendly filtered water dispensers
When you begin a campaign, notify the Office of Sustainability at sustainabilityoffice@tufts.edu so they can share the news and help build a culture of sustainability on campus. 5 Resources for Eco-Ambassadors
General Resources • Commuting: Share information about commuting benefits – earn rewards for sustainable transportation use • Field Trip: Organize an excursion with your office to Genzyme, a LEED certified platinum building in Kendall, or to Building E62 at the Sloan School of Management at MIT • Recycling at Tufts: Print info sheets to hang next to recycling bins, complete a recycling audit sheet, request a bin, and more
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Download signs from the Tufts Recycling website to hang near your bins and remind your colleagues to recycle.
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General Resources (continued) • Water Conservation: Engage your colleagues with this presentation or this video demonstrating the importance of saving water and kicking the bottled water habit (or appeal to them with a financial incentive!) • Planning Sustainable Events: Our Green Event Resources guide will walk you through planning and executing sustainable meetings, picnics, office parties, and more • Past Session Summaries: Records of EcoAmbassador training sessions dating all the way back to 2009 contain a wealth of resources on general sustainability, green purchasing, behavior change, climate change, and much more When hosting events, encourage participants to bring their own dishware. See more tips in our Green Event Resources booklet.
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