Greeks Going Green: The who, what, where, when and why

History
Greeks Going Greek, affectionately known as 3G or GGG, is the brain child of Sarah Kyriakedes, Greek Life Senator for the Ohio University Student Senate. Kyriakedes, then the president of her sorority, wanted to work to foster a sustainable culture among Greek chapters at Ohio University. Kyriakedes approached Emily Bacha, commissioner of the Student Senate University Life Commission, who convened a meeting of student and administrative leaders affiliated with Greek Life and the Green Network (OU's campus sustainability group).

By late September, Kyriakedes and Bacha, along with other students and administrators, developed the vision for "Greeks Going Green." The goal of the program is "to challenge and empower Greek chapters to lead sustainability efforts at Ohio University by minimizing their own impacts on the environment."

Who?
Social fraternities and sororities affiliated with the Women's Panhellenic Association (WPA), the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and the National Panhellenic Council (NPHC) were invited to participate in the Greeks Going Green program. The program is being sponsored by Student Senate and the Office of Sustainability.

What/where/when?
There are three phases to the 3G program, two of which have already been completed. Phase one was an evaluation of Greek chapter houses and their residents to determine individual levels of sustainability. These eco-audits were completed during the months of October and November. Phase two was an educational program that focused on what Greek Life members are doing currently (unsustainable practices) and what members can do to lessen their own ecological footprint by living more sustainably. 280 sorority women and fraternity men attended the interactive program on February 18, 2009. Phase three has yet to be completed; it will be a challenge between Greek chapter houses to determine who is "most green."

Why?
Most Greek Life chapter houses were unaware of their unsustainable practices and how to go about changing them. By evaluating, educating and rewarding Greek Life members, Greeks Going Green targets a large audience to promote environmental sustainability at OU.

The future
Bacha is impressed by the turnout and excitement thus far. "The GGG Committee is elated by the response and interest of the Greek community," Bacha said. "Some chapters, especially WPA chapters were extremely excited for the opportunity. There has been buzz about the upcoming competition, especially because it is the precursor to Greek Week in the Spring and awards will be announced."

The challenge of phase three will take place during the month of April; chapters will compete against their past energy and water consumption habits. The chapter that is able to demonstrate the highest energy and water savings will be declared the winner.

Bacha is confident that chapters will take the competition seriously and work to decrease energy and water consumption not just to win the competition, but to better the environment.

"One of my proudest moments was at the end of the GGG Education Event," Bacha said. "Individuals stood up and pledged to take shorter showers, walk or bike instead of drive, and buy groceries at the Athens Farmers Market. It was great to see the enthusiasm and dedication expressed by these individuals."

What did I do wrong?

I walk out of my room with Law and Order muted on the TV, the air conditioner on full blast, my iTunes blaring and all the lights on. My shower shoes squeak as I shuffle into one of four showers in my residence hall bathroom. I enjoy my gloriously hot 25-minute shower. I finish and return to my room, and I of course leave all the bathroom lights on for whoever comes in next. I am ready to start my day.

What did I do wrong?

I consumed far too much unneeded energy. The activities I listed above all were convenient and easy, but terrible for the environment. For starters, my 25-minute shower used somewhere between 125 and 250 gallons of water. According to a study by Texas A&M University, the average shower uses 5-10 gallons of water every minute. By cutting my shower down to 15 minutes, which is still a fairly long shower, I would have saved 50-100 gallons of water. Over the course of one month, assuming I shower daily, I would save 2375-4650 gallons of water.

My electricity usage was also unnecessary, especially when I was not even in my room. By turning off my lights, air conditioner, TV, computer and the lights in the shower, I would have saved money and energy. You may not be paying utilities directly, but I can assure you that your energy usage is factored into your rent or residence hall room cost.

Calculate your personal energy usage: http://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/howmuch.html

Fun energy facts:
*Lighting consumes approximately 75 percent of the energy used on Ohio University's campus.
*Compact florescent light bulbs (CFLs) consume approximately 25 percent of the energy and last up to 10 times longer than regular light bulbs
*Shutting down your computer when you’ll be away for more than two hours can save the 65-250 watts of power it takes to operate an average desktop
*Screensavers actually increase energy consumption
*Even when you're appliances are turned off, they still use energy if they are plugged in