Written by Maddie Regulla 25', Erica Simon 25', Amelia Hartshorn 25', Student First Year Program Managers
The Sustainability Action Program (SAP) kicked off this fall, with 54 SAPlings buzzing to learn about sustainability at Dartmouth and make a difference. SAP is an introductory sustainability program for first years and is designed to develop students’ problem-solving skills through yearlong group projects. This mission is furthered through workshops and community building events.
In the fall, SAPlings are introduced to sustainability at Dartmouth. We explored various operations on campus and talked to relevant stakeholders to understand the current systems in place, and how these could perhaps be changed and made more sustainable. Our first event was a brainstorming session with Director of Sustainability, Rosi Kerr, where we explored Dartmouth’s decarbonization plans and the College’s sustainability initiatives more broadly.
Over the next 2 months, we had many opportunities to engage with different parts of campus! For example, Marcus Welker, Assistant Director, led two tours of the decarbonization construction sites and explained how this project will reduce Dartmouth’s carbon footprint. SAPlings participated in two tours of ’53 Commons (the student dining hall), where we learned about the College’s food production and food waste systems. We also had the opportunity to collaborate with the bike shop, where Bike Shop interns taught us basic bike mechanics and shared how they work to reduce bike waste. Prior to Halloween, SAPlings visited the Free Market Thrift Store in an effort to reduce clothing waste. And finally, before the cold weather rolled in, we joined President Beilock for wildflower planting on campus, as part of the Pollinator Project.
In addition to informational programming, we enjoyed many community-building events. We hiked and saw a beautiful sunset at the top of Gile fire tower, enjoyed a home-cooked meal at Moosilauke Ravine Lodge, and cooked pizzas at the Organic Farm. Waking up early one morning to enjoy pancakes in Tom Dent Cabin was also a perfect way to enjoy New England fall together. As the foliage began to fall and the leaves began to swirl, we indulged in hot cider and donuts on the green, another opportunity to hang out and get to know each other.
In preparation for winter term, we have compiled a list of problem statements, which highlight areas on campus where improvement is needed in regard to sustainability. These will form the foundation for winter and spring SAP projects. SAPlings will select the problem statements that interest them most and develop solution-orientated action plans to address them. We can’t wait to see what they come up with and provide mentorship along the way!
Thank you to the Class of ’71 for their continued support of SAP and Sustainability at Dartmouth.
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