The New York Times recently published an article profiling the Student Experiment in Ecological Design (SEED), a project to promote sustainable living on college campuses. At Oberlin College, the SEED house is a housing option for students interested in living “greener” lives. Much like the fraternity/sorority house or housing themed by major, the SEED house is available to students who want to pragmatically reduce their carbon footprints.

The students at the Oberlin College SEED residence keep the fridge unplugged at certain times to save energy and they take efficient showers, sometimes clocking each other to measure the fastest shower time for the day. The house is all about compromise, the students convene weekly to discuss new ways to minimize energy use and wasteful behavior.

The unofficial spokesperson for the Oberlin College SEED house, Lucas Brown, an economics major, has great hopes for the project:


In essence, the students are waiting for a pay-it-forward effect, in the case of the Oberlin College students, it seems as if they will get the desired result. Schools like: Middlebury, Morehouse, and the University of New Hampshire, are all following suit on the project.

Being in a "green" state of mind pays off, the green-head Lucas Brown received a scholarship for his work with the SEED project. The Morris K. Udall Foundation selected Lucas Brown for the $5,000 Udall Scholarship.

The darn greenies win again.

Hmmm….I wonder where UVM stands on this one?