09/14/2026
SUNY Cortland's Sustainability Office started another academic year of planet-friendly advancements and activities with a group of students both new and returning to the Green Reps program.
The mission of the Green Reps is to inspire more environmentally conscious lifestyles through peer-to-peer environmental education programs that encourage a eco-friendlier and more sustainable campus and lifelong behaviors.
As seen in the photo above, during their training the Green Reps visited Freeville Earthship, a passive solar house made of natural and recycled materials, to learn more about sustainable living and get inspiration for their upcoming programs!
On campus students, keep an eye out for Green Rep programs about recycling coming in September.
Meet the Green Reps
Ryan Alder 
He / Him
Senior
Major: Business
Goal: Make a positive impact on the people and places around me.
Green Rep Res Halls: West Campus
Abhipsha Bhandari 
She / Her
Sophomore
Major: Physics, Engineering & Chemistry
Goal: To implement use of reusable cups all across campus!
Green Rep Res Halls: Hendrick Hall
Kira Covey 
She / Her
Sophomore
Major: Inclusive Childhood Education
Goal: Learn more about sustainability on campus.
Green Rep Res Halls: Casey and Smith Towers
Conner Ditzler
He / Him
Sophomore
Major: Environmental Geoscience
Goal: Have fun and make a difference!
Green Rep Res Halls: Alger Hall
Fiona Joss 
She / Her
Senior
Major: Therapeutic Recreation
Goal: Enjoy my last year as a Green Rep!
Green Rep Res Halls: Higgins and Shea Hall
Brianne Leak
She / Her
Junior
Major: Early Childhood / Childhood Education
Goal: My goal is to continue my own personal journey in making more sustainable and mindful decisions and lifestyle choices. As well as to educate my peers on the importance of being environmentally conscious and aware as well as informed. My ultimate goal would be to learn, share and contribute to the growth of Cortland as an environmentally conscious community.
Green Rep Res Halls: Randall Hall
Caden Riegger
He / Him
Senior
Major: Political Science
Goal: Expanding on the programs from last semester!
Green Rep Res Halls: Cheney and DeGroat Hall
Emma Stork
She / Her
First Year
Major: Inclusive Childhood Education
Goal: My goal is to support the Cortland community, get involved on campus, and learn more about the people and opportunities around me.
Green Rep Res Halls: Dragon Hall
Rian Thomas 
She / Her
Senior
Major: Early Childhood Education
Goal: My goal for this year is to inform the new incoming freshman/transfer students on how they can be more sustainable on campus!
Green Rep Res Halls: Clark and Fitzgerald Hall
Kelsey Thornton
She / Her
Senior
Major: Criminology
Goal: Get green takeout containers in Bistro and Neubig!
Green Rep Res Halls: Cheney and Bishop Halls
Elon Zanetti 
He / Him
Sophomore
Major: Exercise Science
Goal: I want to help inspire the student body, myself included, to be more environmentally conscious and prioritize sustainable practices.
Green Rep Res Halls: Hayes Hall