Gaining Green Ground
From logging volunteer hours at Otterbein Lake, hosting events, and providing opportunities on campus to practice sustainability, Otterbein is spreading the word about going green. Otterbein is also helping to educate the campus community about sustainable practices.
Green Volunteering
In 2008, Otterbein received the President's Honor Roll Award for Community Service. This prestigious award is only given to three colleges and universities in the U.S. for their commitment to service. Otterbein's environmental volunteer group, Plan-It Earth, as well as service learning programs emphasizing sustainable practices were part of Otterbein's service efforts.
Green Messages
- 2008
- Otterbein hosted Ed Begley Jr. of Living with Ed, a show dedicated to teaching green awareness, during it's sustainability Integrated Studies forum.
- Integrative Studies symposium focused on sustainable campus initiatives. Speakers, who have developed and managed sustainability programs at other institutions, were invited to conduct seminars and panel discussions. Their experiences and ideas are being integrated with existing Otterbein sustainability initiatives.
- 2007
- Jack Hanna of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium came to campus to speak about global environmental issues for Earth Day.
The Otterbein College Thrift Store, managed by the Westerville Women's Club, provides a place where the Otterbein and Westerville communities can practice reusing unwanted items. The thrift store has also a partnership with the Westerville Area Resource Ministry, a choice pantry, to allow clients to receive goods at further discounted prices. Items not sold in the thrift store are sent to mission churches in Southern Ohio. All proceeds from the thrift store are donated by the Westerville Women's Club to the College in the form of scholarships.
