It’s not just primary schools that are supporting a green outlook on learning these days. A growing number of colleges are developing new student activist groups that aim not just for awareness of political and social change, but for awareness of environmental changes as well. While these groups are focused on the sciences of both plants and people, they tend to consist of students from all disciplines who are aware of, and seek to change the way culture sees and treats the environment as a whole.

On my campus our organization is titled the Student Environmental Alliance (SEA), which is headed by an environmental studies major, but whose board includes both Psychology and English majors. In recent years I have notice the extent to which the group has grown, from about 10 regular active members to over 25 (a good number for a campus of only about 1,400.) With this year’s abnormally large freshman class, that number is sure to grow yet again.

Thanks to the SEA, my campus has taken a notable turn towards the green, with an increase in available recycling areas, compost bins both in the dining hall and public kitchens, a rise in bicycle use ,and a new organic garden on campus. The organization is also partially responsible for our two new geothermal dorms and annual events such as a public Earth Day celebration in conjunction with the town and local businesses.

Smaller events such as reusable bag drives, the campus “Green Pledge”, and our annual George Goes Green initiative also help increase student awareness of the impact our everyday behaviors have on the environment. But not only that, SEA and other campus organizations also help mold the behaviors of today’s college student into something that will affect the way they live the rest of their lives.

College is a major bridge between adolescence and adulthood. By influencing the behaviors students develop during their first time as independent and conscientious adults, these organizations, which are not only for students, but run by students, may be the greenest thing colleges can help grow.