Introducing the Sustainable Living Facilities (SLF)

Whether you’ve got a future in finance or prospects in psychology, sustainability is a community where we can all come together to build a brighter tomorrow. The world we currently live in is troubled with ecological, economic and social crises. From climate change to the wealth gap to struggling communities, it can be overwhelming to tackle these issues on a global scale, but our individual actions and intentions always hold the power to inspire change.

That’s where SLF comes in! Created in 2010, the Sustainable Living Facilities are no different from any other dorm on campus; this eco-minded program embraces the model of green living in an existing space. Our community resides in apartments in both the Village and CPAs. SLFers work in the organic vegetable garden behind Redwood, bring those yummy veggies back to their kitchen, and prepare it for a community dinner. This simple practice is so profound sustainable; we gather as a community to reconnect with the land and our food while reducing our carbon footprint.

This is what the program is about: altering small behaviors to influence the big picture. By buying local and organic and supporting farmers markets, we support local farmers who honor the earth with their growing practices. We compost, reduce, reuse and recycle to curb our consumption. We purchase and use cleaning supplies free of harsh chemicals as to not pollute our water. We save resources by conserving water and energy as well as by carpooling. And we do all of this as a community, growing and learning together with an encouraging and positive approach.

Sustainability is an overarching theme that as a place in every potential field, so SLF is not just for environmentalists! Having experience living sustainably will totally give you an edge when applying for jobs because it conveys your passion and compassion. The requirements for the program itself are a 20-hour service commitment each semester, and if you haven’t taken world sustainability or an environmental class, you are advised to take the sustainability seminar.

I truly believe I am where I am as an environmentalist and as a student leader because of the Sustainable Living Facilities. This awesome program gives you the knowledge and the tools to reduce your carbon footprint and really make a difference in the Ramapo community. I highly recommend anyone who cares about the planet and our future to apply to this program! Here are the links for more information and the application.

Written by Heather Darley ’15

Categories: Sustainability