NEWS STORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 26, 2019
News Media Contact
Sarah Hunter
(828) 279-4053
huntersm2@appstate.edu
When Sustainability Meets Greek Life
BOONE, N.C. — Recently awarded the 2019 Sustainability Award by the Appalachian State
University Fraternity and Sorority Life, the Sigma Gamma chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi (AOII)
prides itself on making their events sustainable. With the implementation of a sustainability
chairman this past spring, the Sigma Gamma chapter became the first sorority on campus with
such a position.
Since the addition of sustainability chair, the sisters of the Sigma Gamma chapter have hosted
several philanthropic events that produce zero-waste through the use of recycling and compost
bins. Often times, events hosted by AOII resulted in only one trash bag. The chapter provides
cups, plates and utensils that can be composted after their events. All food composts as well.
Sustainability is an avid part of Appalachian State’s campus and culture. The university strives to
help promote and support sustainable efforts in whatever ways possible. A member of the Sigma
Gamma chapter Laura Tripp views this new position as a way to grow not only the chapter but
also Greek life on campus.
“Attending App State has made me realize just how into sustainability the campus as a whole is.
I was very excited when I found out that AOII was intertwining sustainability into their events. It
made me realize that if we are taking these small steps towards a better planet than why can’t
more of Greek life? I think this is a great way to show others that with a little work sustainable
practices are possible. Imagine the difference we could make if every organization had a
sustainability chair,” Tripp said.
In October, the sisters of AOII planted a pollinator garden at the Appalachian Panhellenic Hall.
Planting various flowers helped raise awareness of the crucial role pollinators have in regards to
our planet. Further, on Oct. 20, Sigma Gamma welcomed alumnae back to Appalachian State for
—more—
their 10th installation, celebrating 10 years on campus. This served as a great time to show the
community Sigma Gamma’s use of compostable materials along with compost and recycling
bins. Events like these allowed AOII to form a relationship with the Office of Sustainability who
now regularly helps provide compost and recycling bins for AOII’s events.
Steffy Guigou, first and previous sustainability chair for Sigma Gamma, works with the Office of
Sustainability. During her time as the sustainability chair, she ensured all compost and recycling
went to their respective locations after every event. She further collaborated with other sisters to
ensure all material bought didn't end up in the landfill.
Newly appointed sustainability chair Kaylyn Barloga finds excitement in her new role and hopes
to step into Guigou’s legacy to grow the position further.
“I am hoping to continue to team up with the sustainability department on campus to make our
impact even bigger. Hopefully, we can encourage other Greek organizations to make a similar
position on their executive boards,” Barloga said.
For more information visit sustain.appstate.edu or appstate.alphaomicronpi.org.
About AOII
Founded in 2009, Alpha Omicron Pi’s Sigma Gamma chapter at Appalachian State University
emphasizes the values of character, dignity, scholarship and college loyalty. As a Greek
organization, Sigma Gamma currently has 120 active members and is one of 143 collegiate
chapters worldwide. Members work to improve Appalachian’s community through philanthropy
and sisterhood by serving the community through volunteer work and fundraisers for the High
Country Caregiver Foundation and the Arthritis Foundation.
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