Alexa Stern

Alexa joined REP at the beginning of her Freshman year. Working as a freshman REP (or fREP), she spent a year making Harvard Yard a more environmental place, and with her other fREPs, developed and led the first "Green Tour of Harvard Yard". She has since joined Currier House where she has taken over the position of house REP, working to green the house that already uses a tree as their mascot. With Alexa's help, they should be able to proudly hold that mascot up for years to come.

What got you interested in being a REP?

Many people seem to think of environmentalists as hippies from Vermont who love granola and wear Birkenstocks, so I wanted to be a REP to break down that stereotype. I think that 'regular' people can and should be concerned with protecting the environment, and realize that even minor lifestyle modifications can have a huge impact. For example, it's not hard to ditch plastic bags for reusable ones, or use a reusable mug and forgo disposables. There's lots of little things that add up, and through REP I hope to help people live more sustainably, and learn that it doesn't always mean sacrificing everyday comforts and conveniences!

What's been your favorite REP memory so far?

Last year's waste audit! For the annual waste audit, REPs dress up in crazy hazard suits and masks and sort the college's trash to find out how much of the garbage could have been reused or recycled. I'm sort of squeamish so I didn't think it would be a very fun day for me, but digging through trash was definitely a bonding moment. It was also eye-opening: we found perfectly good HUDS dishes and all kinds of things I was surprised that anyone would throw away!

What's the biggest difference between being a yard REP and being a House REP?

It's a huge difference!!! Last year, as a Yard REP, I thought that the House REPs were crazy for getting so competitive about Green Cup... but this year, I found myself constantly checking Currier's standings for the Sustainability Pledge! I guess the competition really sucks us all in and it makes us a lot more accountable. As a Yard REP, if you don't do much it isn't always noticeable, but if a House REP is slacking it is a lot more obvious.

Besides REP, what other groups on campus are you a part of?

Other than REP, I have two main passions: hapas (half-Asians) and orphans. I'm the 2010 President of HAPA (the Half-Asian People's Association), so I have a lot of Hapa Love. I'm also really involved with Harvard China Care. I spent last summer working at an orphanage in China and during the academic year I do a lot with HCC.

Who is your celebrity crush?

Definitely Chuck Bass, from Gossip Girl. Even though he isn't eco-friendly, he's just so suave and I <3 him!!!!!!!!!!!