students in blus tshirts doing anteater hand signs

EarthReps

Earth Representatives or EarthReps is a student training and community building internship for undergraduate on-campus residents offering education, skills, and hands-on experiences broadly related to sustainability. EarthReps serve as sustainability ambassadors in student housing. The program aims to train emerging young leaders, expand campus awareness of sustainability, and build community among students, staff, and faculty. EarthReps receive training in substantive sustainability issues as well as skills for initiating essential conversations among peers, planning hall activities, and other community building approaches. 

Outcomes

  • Interact with like-minded peers and build a resilient community; 
  • Gain a solid background in sustainability including a global understanding of related environmental, economic, and social justice issues; 
  • Increase leadership skills; and 
  • Serve as residence hall-based ambassadors for sustainability at UCI.

Opportunities

Each quarter, EarthReps can expect the following: 

  • Three or more trainings on sustainability topics at UCI (waste, water, energy, diversity and justice, and gardening) as well as related skills in community and action planning; 
  • Several community building social or campus events; 
  • Opportunities to contribute to student led actions forwarding behavior change and peer-to-peer learning;
  • Opportunities to contribute to a student-run blog and social media campaigns; and
  • Course credit available through 1.3 unit University Affairs course. 

Requirements

To receive a certificate of completion EarthRep intern, participants must complete the following: 

  • Attend at least 2 trainings and 1 other campus event per quarter. 
  • Work with other EarthReps and sustainability program staff to create and complete at least one action project on a chosen topic each quarter.
  • On campus residency is not required.
anteater on globe
EarthReps Interest Form
students gathered around a table doing crafts

Request Support

Program Request Form

EarthReps and Sustainability Interns are available to help plan or lead in-hall or community programs and teach a host of DIY activities. 

  • Top Tips for Sustainability On Campus 
  • Zero Waste 
  • Sustainable Cooking & Fair Trade 
  • Water & Energy Conservation 
  • What is Environmental Justice? 
  • Trash Talkers or Water Station volunteers are available for events. 
two people wearing yellow vests that read trash talkers
four students planting a tree
students around a goodwill donation bin

Trash Talkers

UCI is committed to minimizing the material going to landfill and maximizing the materials that are recycled and composted, leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions, a cleaner environment, and more green innovation.  

EarthReps Ambassadors serve as “Trash Talkers” at Student Affairs events and support annual waste audits.  

Zero Waste at UCI