News

When was the last time you dined by candlelight? Or powered a blender by riding a bike? If you’re a Portland State student living on campus, you won’t have to wait much longer to do either. 

Between February 18 and March 11, PSU will compete in the Campus Conservation Nationals against more than 175 colleges and universities across the nation to reduce energy and water use in campus residence halls. Housing buildings account for the majority of energy and water use as well as total greenhouse gas emissions on college and university campuses. 

Ondine, Broadway, and Stephen Epler will compete against each other on campus, and together represent PSU in the national competition. 

PSU EcoReps—student leaders tasked with educating hall mates about sustainability issues—created a lineup of events to encourage energy and water conservation throughout the competition.

“We’re trying to let students know that their actions have an impact, and that collectively the student body can make a big difference in the amount of electricity and water that the campus uses,” said Emily Waters, a junior geography major and PSU EcoRep.

Upcoming events

February 18: Candelight dinner, 5-8 p.m. in Victors
Save power and enjoy a low-impact dinner by candelight

February 25: Pedal for Power, 11-1:30 p.m. in Victors
Enjoy eco-friendly smoothies with bike-powered blenders

March 1: Tap That! with PSU's Take Back the Tap, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the North Park Blocks
Take the tap water taste test, learn about drinking water on campus, and win prizes.

March 3: Black out game night, 7-9 p.m. in Ondine, Broadway, and Stephen Epler lobbies.
Lights are out but the party’s on!

March 11: Drop a load of e-waste, 5-7 p.m. in Ondine lobby
Bring your old cell phones, laptops, and other electronics to be recycled

March 12: Spring Community Carnival at the Native American Student and Community Center
Join the Sustainability Leadership Center to celebrate student sustainability work with food, games, and fun

For more information, visit buildingdashboard.net/pdx or facebook.com/pdxecoreps.