These personal narratives of greening college campuses offer inspiration, motivation, and practical advice.
Written by faculty, staff, administrators, and a student, from varying perspectives and reflecting divergent experiences,
these stories also map the growing strength of a national movement toward environmental responsibility on campus.
Environmental awareness on college and university campuses began with the celebratory consciousness-raising of
Earth Day, 1970. Since then environmental action on campus has been both global (in research and policy formation)
and local (in efforts to make specific environmental improvements on campuses). The stories in this book show that
achieving environmental sustainability is not a matter of applying the formulas of risk management or engineering
technology but part of what the editors call "the messy reality of participatory engagement in cultural transformation."
In Sustainability on Campus campus leaders recount inspiring stories of strategies that moved eighteen colleges
and universities toward a more sustainable future. This book is for faculty, students, administrators, staff, and
community partners, whether hesitant or committed, knowledgeable or newcomer. Scholars and activists have recognized
the crucial role that higher education can play in the sustainability effort, and each chapter in the book is full
of ideas about how to get started, revitalize efforts, and overcome roadblocks. Human and at times joyful, these
stories illustrate many forms of leadership, in new courses and faculty development, green buildings and administrative
policies, student programs, residential life, and collaborations with local communities.