91̽»¨

The OHIO Ecohouse is a unique, off-campus student residence that provides students with hands-on learning experiences in relationship to sustainable lifestyles.­ The house features a variety of technologies and resources such as solar PV, solar thermal, a campus community organic garden, energy efficient appliances and a wood pellet furnace.­ Residents are taught a number of behaviors that promote sustainable living.­ Lessons include: natural cleaning; home weatherization, water conservation, food preservation, composting, energy conservation, permaculture and more.­ These "EcoSkills" are taught in an effort to offer students responsible approaches to a lifestyle that has a smaller impact on the environment and focuses on community development.­
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Living and Learning Experience

Each semester, the residents register for a one-credit seminar that allows them to engage in weekly discussions about sustainability, environmental leadership and living a sustainable lifestyle.­ A background in sustainability is not required for residents; merely a willingness to learn.­ Each resident is required, through the previously mentioned seminar, to complete one or more projects each semester that increases their own connection to living a sustainable lifestyle.­ In the past, such projects have included soap making, creating natural beauty products, preparing and preserving local foods, performing energy audits and drying herbs for use in salves.

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It is the intention of 91̽»¨ for the house to serve as a living laboratory for not only its residents but also our students, faculty, staff and community.­ It is our hope that this project will allow others to understand that living sustainably is not a radical effort and does not require compromising your desires to have a well-maintained home.­ Quite the contrary! Living a sustainable lifestyle is attainable for any individual, and we are committed to increasing awareness of how to reduce one's impact on the environment through daily lifestyle.

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Unique Opportunity

The OHIO Ecohouse is currently the only residence at 91̽»¨ that offers students the chance to focus on sustainable behaviors.­ Any student eligible to live off-campus is invited to apply to live in the house to further their knowledge of and investment in sustainable living.­ No experience with sustainability is required; residents merely must have an interest in learning more.­ Residents engage in a variety of exciting activities and workshops to enhance their sustainable living skills.­ Applications are available by following the navigation links to the left.

The OHIO Ecohouse is managed by Residential Housing and the Office of Sustainability.­ Rent­ fees go toward utilities and ­maintenance of the building (including overhead costs).

Benefits of living in the OHIO Ecohouse:

• Affordable rent (approximately $439 per month, utilities included)
• Unique living learning environment
• Large yard with immediate access to hiking trails
• Free garden plot(s)­and­gardening resources/tools for all residents
• Locked storage shed
• Large, covered front porch
• Fully furnished home with exciting sustainable technologies such as solar power, solar thermal, wood furnace, composting and more!
• Located close to campus
• Regular meetings with Office of Sustainability staff to assist with your sustainable living experience
• Professional development­and/or job search­support (with emphasis on the "green economy")
• Opportunities to enhance leadership and communication skills