Sustainability at Earlham
From campus learning experiences to internships to life after Earlham, sustainability at Earlham is an ever-changing orientation to the question, “How should we best live?”
Every day, we work toward creating a more sustainable experience for our community, and these efforts have been recognized by The Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Schools.
Sustainability is embedded in the Earlham Experience
At Earlham, not only do we offer opportunities to learn about sustainability through the lenses of the environment, social justice and economics; we also practice by taking steps to make our campus a more sustainable place.
Where might you study sustainability at Earlham?
In the classroom
You can study sustainability at Earlham through the environmental sustainability major/minor, sustainable agriculture applied minor, or sustainability and management applied minor. You can also get involved with the Earlham Center for Environmental Leadership.
During the spring semester of their senior year, environmental sustainability (EnSu) majors engage in a collaborative research project, often with a community partner. Recent projects include Playground with a Purpose and an update to Earlham’s Comprehensive Sustainability Plan.
In the community
There are countless ways to practice sustainability on campus and in the Richmond community. On campus, you might: Find a job with the Student Sustainability Corps, explore housing opportunities with a sustainability focus, join a club, volunteer at Earlham’s Miller Farm (pictured right), or get involved at the Center for Environmental Leadership.
Around the world
Whether completing your Epic Advantage — funding up to $5,000 for every Earlham student to pursue a career-focused experience — or participating in one of Earlham’s off-campus programs, you’ll have the chance to learn and practice sustainability around the world.
Alumni sustainability spotlights
Isao Sakai ’24
More than 6,400 miles away from home, Earlham College helped Isao Sakai discover a new focus in his fight against climate change. His climate activism was recognized by Forbes Japan.
Malia Staab ’18
Malia Staab ’18 finds community and connection in her work with native resources and wildlife. Both have confirmed her commitment to preserving ecosystems and educating the next generation of informed stewards.
Madeline Gullion ’21
In the fall of 2022, environmental sustainability (EnSu) Major, Madeline Gullion, worked as an urban naturalist at Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc., an environmental and community organization.
Explore the outdoors
Many opportunities exist right on campus, nearby and through Earlham experiences to enjoy the beauty of nature. Go hiking in Earlham’s back campus, explore the Whitewater Gorge, bike the Cardinal Greenways or explore the Earlham Nature Reserve System (ENRS).
Incoming first-year students should consider August Wilderness, a pre-orientation program that includes an 11-day backpacking experience in the Uinta Mountains of Utah. Students can also enroll in courses in Outdoor Education to improve skills in rock climbing, backpacking and canoeing.
Green initiatives
At Earlham, we’re always trying to balance the environmental, economic and social impacts of campus operations. From recycling to energy conservation to the use of safer cleaning products, these efforts reflect collaboration among many different offices on campus to achieve Earlham’s sustainability goals.
Green buildings
Earlham is committed to seeking Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEEDS) certification on all new buildings and major renovation projects.
Recycling and composting
Earlham provides single-stream recycling in all buildings on campus as well as collection of compostable wastes.
The EC Bike Share offers students daily use of bikes at no cost and operates out of the Public Safety Office.
Free Store and Repair Room
The Earlham Free Store and Repair Room work together to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in the landfill by giving unwanted items a second life.