Arts & Sciences
Environment & Sustainability

Environment & Sustainability Program

The environmental problems threatening our planet and society are complex and multi-disciplinary. Students wanting to learn how to tackle these problems need training in the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

William & Mary has one of the most innovative and integrative environmental programs in the nation. Our undergraduate program offers tracks in science, policy and the humanities. All three tracks integrate knowledge and skills across the disciplines while students maintain a core expertise in their primary major.

Our curriculum spans the disciplines, and so does our research. Faculty from many departments use the resources of the Keck Environmental Field Laboratory for their work: both to deepen our understanding of the causes of environmental problems, and to experiment with potential solutions.

We also have numerous partnerships with community and governmental groups, working to monitor local and global environmental issues and solve real-life problems relevant to the Chesapeake Bay and beyond.

Sustainability Tips

Here are some great tips for sustainable living from the COS. More...
Reduce waste by carrying a reusable water bottle-refill it rather than buying plastic bottles of water.
Cut the cord! Be sure to turn off your lights and appliances when you’re not using them. Many electronic devices continue to drain energy even when they're turned off, so unplug your computers, cable boxes, and TVs, when they're not in use.
Avoid high speeds. Fuel efficiency drops rapidly above 60 mph.
Avoid printing out documents that easily can be read and filed electronically.
Take public transport, carpool, walk or cycle instead of driving. You’ll save money, get fit and reduce your contribution to climate change.
Too often plastic and paper grocery bags end up sitting in landfills! Transport shopping using your own refillable bags—you can carry more and you’re saving the environment.
Save a tree by switching to electronic billing. Most utilities, credit card companies, and banks now offer this handy service.
Save hundreds of gallons of water by washing only full loads in your washing machine and dishwasher.
Avoid idling. Turn off your car whenever possible.
If you're flying with checked luggage, try to pack less. The more you carry, the more fuel the plane burns.
Carrying your own coffee mug is a great way to cut down on waste…Especially if you’re addicted to caffeine!
Remove yourself from junk mailing lists. Does anyone need all those catalogues?
Save energy and stop your sweaters from shrinking! Use cold water plus a cold water detergent in your washing machine.
Turning your thermostat down by one degree on a warm winter’s night saves you 3% on your heating bill.
Here comes the sun! During winter months, keeping your window curtains open on south-facing windows lets the sun heat your home naturally during the day.
Save energy and prevent fires by regularly cleaning out your dryer vent to make sure it’s not blocked.
Add air to the tires of your car so they're properly inflated—you’ll get better mileage.
Use task lighting. Instead of brightly lighting an entire room, focus the light where you need it.
Buying a new appliance? Be sure to look for the Energy Star label, which tells you that that appliance has met strict efficiency guidelines set by EPA and DOE.