Pacific Lutheran University
IN-2: Innovation 2

More than 27 students are currently employed by the Sustainability Office, encouraging student leadership and education in sustainability throughout campus as well as high rates of recycling. At PLU, not only are students employed, but many students have leadership roles in sustainability on campus. There are sustainability representatives in many influential campus groups on campus such as Residential Life, ASPLU (student governance body), and the Sustainability Committee.  Having a large number of students working in the Sustainability Office has not only allowed sustainability to become a highly discussed issue in distinct arenas on campus, but also creates a large workforce. One example of the role of Sustainability Office employees on campus has been implemented through classroom presence and specifically educating first year students about sustainability issues. One to three employees volunteer throughout the semester attend various required first-year seminars to conduct educational sustainability presentations. This presentation involves a general explanation of sustainability and how the intersection of people, planet, prosperity plays out on a university campus. This includes the importance of recycling, how to use less energy in the residence halls, volunteer opportunities in sustainability, and more. However, this type of education is not limited to first year seminars. Various courses utilize Facilities Management and Sustainability Office staff to further understanding in the student body about actions taken to promote sustainability on campus. Without a significant work force, opportunities for education such as this would be limited. Furthermore, PLU has had an approximate recycling rate of 58-76% in the past year.  Having many Sustainability Office student employees is a key component of maintaining a high recycling rate. Every residence hall, campus building, and various off campus buildings are serviced by Sustainability Office employees and all materials are hand-sorted, diverting large amounts of campus materials from being landfilled.