Sustainability at F&M
A Tradition of Conservation & Stewardship
“Franklin & Marshall College will become a leader in sustainability by enriching the
environmental, economic and social well-being of our community.”
"We seek to minimize our use of natural resources, reduce our environmental impacts,
and educate ourselves and others about the roles and responsibilities of citizens
in a world of finite resources."
—Franklin & Marshall Sustainability Master Plan
We’re proud of our long tradition of conservation and environmental stewardship, and continue to create opportunities for all in the College community to demonstrate leadership in sustainability. In October 2012, we adopted a sustainability master plan to outline goals, strategies and tactics based on current best practices to create a culture of sustainability throughout the campus.
Are you interested in a four-day, three-night backpacking trip on a section of the
Appalachian Trail through Pennsylvania’s beautiful rolling hills? FOOT is for you!
The First-Year Outdoor Orientation Trip (also known as "FOOT") is a pre-arrival program
taking place August 19-22, prior to new student orientation on August 23.Class of 2028 Pre-Arrival Program
Ongoing Initiatives
Constant Improvement
We pride ourselves on looking at every possible angle to create a more sustainable future for both the campus and the world. Explore how we tap into current advances in sustainable ideas and technology to tangibly improve our campus and community.
Getting Involved
At F&M, we have a unique opportunity to create a community of leaders in sustainability in and out of the classroom. In addition to engaging with our initiatives across campus, there are numerous ways for students to get involved with sustainability at F&M.
Academics
The liberal arts tradition blends seamlessly with the sustainability movement. F&M offers several fields of study that explore the planet and humanity’s role in it, with many professors sharing their research and insight on a greener planet. Each major is designed to thoughtfully engage you with concepts and issues related to the earth and its environments through coursework, laboratory and field study, and research.
Extracurriculars
Many students engage in extracurricular activities to extend their sustainability efforts beyond the classroom, including:
- First-Year Outdoor Orientation Trip (FOOT), a pre-arrival program for incoming first-years during which students backpack along the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania for four days.
- GreenMail, a student-produced newsletter centered on environmental issues.
- Environmental Action Alliance, a student-led organization of environmental activists, researchers, and advocates that engage in numerous sustainability and awareness initiatives.
- The Fair Trade Café, which offers grilled cheese and vegan soups every Wednesday, bringing students, faculty, and professional staff together over great food and discussion. The café is run by students and sources the food locally from sustainable producers.
- The Sustainability House, a residential option for students of all backgrounds pursuing progress over perfection in more environmentally
conscious living.
Meet the Team
The Sustainability Committee is tasked with helping the College continue pushing forward as leaders in environmental stewardship.
F&M’s Center for the Sustainable Environment (CSE) unites the many interests and initiatives
relating to global environmental stewardship and sustainability on campus. The Center
coordinates efforts to enrich the F&M academic experience with concepts of environmental
stewardship and sustainability.Center for the Sustainable Environment (CSE)
Get in Touch
We want to hear your suggestions! Let us know your ideas for making F&M a more sustainable
place.
CONTACT US »
December 7, 2023 F&M students are inspiring climate action in unconventional ways. From internships to advocacy on campus, meet students making sustainability a more accessible concept. September 19, 2023 At F&M, renting a bike is as easy as checking out a book from the library. The F&M Bike Loan program provides a bike, helmet and lock to students free of charge. April 24, 2023 Sometimes, it's the quiet and contemplative moments in between class and co-curriculars where the most personal growth occurs. In this mindfulness miniseries, we explore moments of calm and...Franklin & Marshall College offers students a hands-on education that emphasizes close relationships with faculty. Students flourish in a supportive community that treats them as an individual, and their successes continue long after F&M. The College is a national leader in launching students and alumni to opportunities where they make a difference in the community and the world.Sustainability at Work
Students Take on Climate Change Beyond the Classroom
Pedal Power: F&M Bike Loans Benefit Students
Mindful Moments: Unwinding in Nature