Evergreen Makes a Difference

Evergreen State College in Olympia , WA has taken on the rarely addressed issue of college students with mental disorders. Their facility and program emphasizes another aspect of the importance of a clean and healthy environment. We are all greatly affected by our environment and when one is hyper sensitive to their surroundings, a clean and pleasant environment is keen.

The nontraditional college has approximately 4400 students. In addition to a well crafted educational program, the campus has its own organic farm which helps to eliminate not only toxins from the student body’s diet, but also ease the minds of those with compulsive disorders. The on site composting program promotes social interaction and allows the students to help make a difference in their community. Based upon the article in the NYT, it seems that this campus may be eligible for LEED certification since they have integrated a waste management program and provide space and monitor carpoolers and bicycle commuters.

Parents of the students say that they have seen positive results by sending their children to the college as compared to the other colleges. Thankfully, there is more of a tendency for existing schools and new schools to implement an environmentally friendly campus. LEED is making a new rating system specifically for schools