The Connecticut College Earth House

The Connecticut College Earth House is a residential community of campus activists living in the former North Cottage. Formed in 1994 by six students (Erin Corcoran '95, Jens Hilke '96 Brooke Loder '95, Mark Lucey '95, Jake Marin '97, and Heather Montgomery '95), the Earth House acts as a vehicle for coordinating progressive student activism on campus. Contrary to popular belief, Earth House is not focused purely on environmental issues, but broadens its focus to incorporate and support all issues of justice and sustainability, as can be seen in the Earth House Vision Statement. Earth House also acts as a resource for campus activists and as a model for all of socially and environmentally conscious living.

1994-1995 was the trial year for Earth House and they were located in 360 Mohegan in two separate apartments. Following on the tremendous success of that year, the Residential Life Committee voted to grant Earth House permanent residence in North Cottage for the 1995-1996 year. 1995 marked the establishment of the Earth House Newsletter, a monthly publication which reports on campus activism and strives to raise awareness regarding issues of social concern. 1995 also saw the beginning of Earth House Productions, a radical progressive information distribution group. These projects were carried on by the 1996-1997 crew, along with many new and exciting ideas including the Native Plants and Naturalistic Landscape. Each October, the Earth House helps organize the Solid Waste Composition Study.

While activism remained a part of Earth House, in 1998-99, the focus was placed more on pursuing the role as a model of environmental living. The fall semester of 1998 saw a great deal of effort put into the Earth House grounds. Included were the construction of a cold frame along the south side of the house and the creation of an American Indian style Wigwam. In addition, the Earth House landscape continues to be molded after the concepts of S.A.L.T. (Smaller American Lawns Today).

Further, thought was given to the Future of Earth House within the proposed Master Plan for the College. An article written by Jesse Locantore ('98-'99 Arboretum Intern) asked one to think about what environmentalism means.

Each year, seven students are selected by a committee to live in Earth House. The selection committee consists of the Thematic Housing Housefellow, the Environmental Organizer, and an elected member of the previous year's house. Applicants are chosen primarily on their commitment to environmental living and thinking and their ability to live in a tight community setting.