Sarah D’Alexander graduated from OWU in 2013 with a double major in Environmental Studies and Biology with a minor in Spanish.
She realized her interest in sustainability while participating in environmental projects at OWU. After assessing ongoing problems on campus, she began developing her own courses of action to promote greener practices.
In 2012, Sarah created and implemented the May Move Out project, a program aiming to divert student generated waste at the spring semester student move from campus. In two years this initiative recycled over 90 tons of unwanted items such as electronics, clothing, and school supplies by donating to local charities and back to the student body. The university recently received a $10,000 grant supporting the project for 2015.
Sarah (center) and her team celebrating AmeriCorp’s 20 Year Anniversary at the White House. President Barak Obama and former President Bill Clinton spoke to commemorate the program’s legacy.
After graduation, Sarah served as a Team Leader for AmeriCorps NCCC, a 10-month service program devoted to strengthening communities through team based service.
In 2014, Sarah worked with Habitat for Humanity in Maine to increase energy efficiency in low-income households. In addition, she also worked on sustainable farms in Martha’s Vineyard, advocated for disaster preparedness in New York City, removed invasive species in Valley Forge National Park, and helped the city of Baltimore maintain their public parks.
During her time working with Habitat for Humanity—7 Rivers, Sarah and her team learned how to do home inspections to get a baseline for energy efficiency. They air sealed basements, crawl spaces, and attics so they could install insulation that improves the thermal boundaries of the home. Here, she is re-installing a bathroom fan.
Sarah is currently an apprentice at Crown Point Ecological Center, an organic farm located in Bath, Ohio. In the future, she plans to pursue a graduate degree in Sustainability Management.
“On 115-acres located in the rolling hills of Bath, Ohio, Crown Point expresses its mission through organic agriculture and educational programs that integrate four core values: Community, Justice, Spirituality and Sustainability.”
More information about Sarah and her work can be found at:
Twitter Feed: https://twitter.com/dalexands
LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahdalexander