Cameron Baker, ASG Director of Campus Sustainability
Cameron is a senior from Fayetteville, Arkansas, with a double major in International Relations and Earth Science, as well as minors in both Sustainability and Economics.
He became interested in sustainability on campus when he first moved to Fayetteville from San Antonio, Texas. He was drawn immediately to the beauty and wonder of the Natural State, and drew his inspiration from its conservation.
While learning about the foundations and applications of sustainable living through the courses offered by the minor, Cameron became interested in having a role that would allow him to contribute to sustainable practices on campus. For the upcoming year, he will be allowed that opportunity as the Director of Campus Sustainability for the Associated Student Government.
His goals for this semester will be focused on revitalizing the Student Sustainability Council as an RSO, carrying out the Green Revolving Fund in its pilot year, and helping with the Game Day Challenge.
“For those who want to get more involved with sustainable initiatives on campus,” Cameron said, “the Student Sustainability Council will be a great resource for students looking to serve in a leadership role, volunteer, or work with others to identify sustainable initiatives.”
Kenneth Hamilton, RIC Sustainability Director
This is Kenneth Hamilton. Kenneth calls Little Rock, Arkansas his home, but he’s spent the last three years in Fayetteville studying human Psychology. He openly admits that living a sustainable life was never one of his life goals growing up, but now in his twenties, with many more years of education under his belt, he sees just how important (and beneficial!) sustainability measures can be. When the position of Sustainability Director became available in the Residents’ Interhall Congress, he jumped at the chance to make an impact.
“Actions are the most valuable part of any movement, but when it comes to this, I think the most important action is education,” he told us in passing during one of our talks. “The previous director, Lauren, did a great job last year in showing students how to live green in their personal lives. I want to expand that to a global scale.” Kenneth is currently thinking of ways in which to educate the student body of the economic, environmental, and personal benefits of eco-friendly efforts. In addition to continuing great programs like the Sustainability themed Friday Night Live, Campus Conservation Nationals and RecycleMania, Kenneth hopes to begin the push for even further long-lasting change on campus. Ideas such as placing University- or RIC-regulated recycling bins on individual Residence Hall floors, and motion sensitive interior lighting fixtures that could greatly cut down on University energy costs, are only the start.
If you have any ideas for sustainability efforts, or would just like to help, groups such as Student Sustainability Council, Green Thinkers, Roots & Shoots, and the Sustainability Living-Learning Community are great places to start. Students should also feel free to swing by the Sustainability House on Harmon Avenue, where ideas and passion are always welcome. If walking isn’t your fancy, you can always contact Kenneth at ricsus@uark.edu. He’s always willing to help!