Everywhere we turn it seems that many are joining in the fight to make the world a happier and cleaner place, from the lovable trend-setting yuppies in their BMW’s, to your vegan neighbor wearing organic garments akin to the wardrobe rocked by Jesus’ disciples. Okay, maybe the vegan point is an exaggeration, but it’s obvious more and more people are opting to go green.

So, how are NU students raking in? Last Winter, Jacqueline Beard, Weinberg sophomore studying Environmental Sciences, co-founded with fellow student Jesse Sleamaker the Green House, Northwestern’s only residential hall dedicated to upholding the values set upon by the environmental, or green, movement. Created with the intention of getting NU students more involved in the Green movement, the House is organized around 3 main concepts: sustainable infrastructure, education, and service.

Although the actual infrastructure of the Green House cannot be labeled “sustainable” — the college is an old frat house built under conditions otherwise contradictory — Beard’s future goal is to construct a new hall that is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified. The House does offer resource-saving amenities that lessen students’ impact on the environment, such as low-flow faucets and shower heads, high-efficiency hand dryers, motion sensor lights, and dual flush toilets, to name a few.

Educating students about the environmental movement is another integral part of the Green House. Weekly house meetings are held in which Beard tries to instill the values of eco-friendly living in students. “There is a disproportionate amount of resources,” claims Beard, and thus students must learn to consume wisely. They are informed about places to shop, methods of being less wasteful, and even of environmental classes offered at our own Northwestern. Bathroom newsletters are another way Beard proliferates green values.

Mert Iseri, a sophomore transfer student from Turkey studying Industrial Engineering, said the House thus far has been “amazingly fun and a blast” and adds that he chose to live there because he wanted to learn more about the environment. He said, “Being green is embodied in European culture, but where I’m from its harder to do.”

Service is the third key part of the Green House. The 40 or so students living in the Green House participate in community service programs aimed at protecting the environment. One recent venture was the Northbranch Restoration Project, which restores habitats along the Chicago River. Beard acknowledges this is also a good way to bond and strengthen their community.

Although they partake in all of these activities, Beard admits that a lot of the teaching and bonding is accomplished through simple day-to-day conversation. “The upperclassmen try to be role models for the freshmen,” she adds.

Victor Fimbres, Weinberg sophomore and undecided, explains that the Green House regularly hosts bonding activities. “We had a Cook-Out in the lake-fill where we had Boca Burgers and free-range organic meat and fruit.” He also adds that the House has been incredibly social, mainly due to the over-whelming amount of freshmen that reside there. “They are freshman, so they are very gung-ho about stuff and want to get involved.”

Beard has in store other projects to improve the House, such as opening a green library composed of used books and installing solar panels as alternative energy. As Beard said, “We are just now realizing the impact we have on our planet.” Beard jokingly added that the décor of the House could use some work.

As Iseri said, “I love to be in a community where everyone cares.”