Have an interest in environmental activism? Want to know more about environmental work here at Kalamazoo College on the student level? Then you’re in luck because we have the perfect organization to spotlight this week: ECO Club!
What is ECO Club?
The Environmental Conservation Organization (ECO) Club is a group that aims to cultivate a more sustainable community on campus and bring awareness to environmental justice. Active since 2005, they host a variety of events, some community-based and some activism-based, as well as working closely with other organizations and departments to ensure that Kalamazoo College continues to strive to be a greener campus. From DIY tote bag decorating, Kahoot! games, and movie nights, to community reflections, tabling at climate rallies, and advocating for a divestment dashboard, ECO Club has done it all!
We’re highlighting ECO Club this week because we want to shout out the environmental activism that happens on our campus at the student level and hopefully encourage our student readers to get involved with an organization they might not have heard about. If you’re passionate about working towards a more sustainable campus, this could be the opportunity for you!
Who is a part of ECO Club?
ECO Club has over 200 members across Kalamazoo College’s student population, making it one of the biggest clubs on campus! In addition to members, ECO Club is run by board members who oversee the club and plan its events. The 2024-2025 board members include:
Noah Pyle, K’25
Major: Biology
Pronouns: He/him
Fun Fact: I do nature photography in my free time
Meghan London, K’26
Major: Anthropology and Sociology, Political Science
Pronouns: She/her
Fun Fact: I can name all fifty states and their capitals
Mia Pierce, K’26
Major: Biology
Pronouns: She/her
Fun Fact: I’ve been a vegetarian for 9 years now!
Josie Belsky, K’27
Major: Undeclared
Pronouns: She/her
Fun Fact: I love climbing rocks and hugging trees
What are some upcoming event
What are ECO Club’s recent projects?
ECO Club has recently collaborated with the Environmental Stewardship Center to collect EPS foam with the purpose of recycling it with the city of Kalamazoo on their quarterly collection days. EPS foam is not easily recycled, so this initiative is a great opportunity to help reduce landfill waste! ECO Club collects the foam every Friday during common time in front of Stetson Chapel, and then stores it until the next collection day. So if you have any EPS foam, especially after move-in day, please donate it!
If you were on the Quad Wednesday afternoon of Week 6, you would have seen a large group of students planting and painting flower pots. This was one of ECO Club’s community-based events, where students were able to pick out their own baby plant and then decorate a clay pot however they wanted! There was music, connection, and, of course, a desire to see a greener campus – if only from having a new plant in your dorm!
What are some upcoming events?
Want to get off-campus for a few hours before final exams start? Love the Kalamazoo Farmer’s Market? Then you’ll love to hear that ECO Club is hosting a group walk to the farmer’s market on Saturday, May 31st! This is a low commitment event meant to help students destress before finals season and enjoy the sun! Walk with ECO, stay for as long as you want, and connect with others who are passionate about environmentalism!
Additionally, ECO Club is hosting a Swap Meet following Week 10. On Saturday June 7th, students will be able to drop-off and take various items (think clothing, appliances, kitchenware, furniture, etc.) on the Quad for free! This event aims to reduce the amount of things going to the landfill following move-out by providing students with the opportunity to “swap” their unneeded items with someone else’s. If you’re trying to reduce clutter, looking for free furniture and appliances for a house next academic year, or just love to stay thrifty, this is the event for you!