At The American College of Greece (ACG), sustainability isn’t just an idea—it’s a core principle embraced by our community. Our Sustainability Face of the Month series highlights ACG members who embody sustainable living and inspire change through their actions and involvement in ACG-led activities on and off campus.
Meet April’s Sustainability Face: Sophie Themelis
Sophie Themelis, Executive Coordinator for Wellness at the ACG Health & Wellness Center and a Pilates Instructor, is a passionate advocate for well-being and sustainability. A Deree ‘83 alumna, she has been dedicated to integrating eco-conscious practices into health and wellness initiatives.
Through the ACG Health & Wellness Center, Sophie and her colleagues organize various events year-round, including the annual Mind Body Spirit Fest every Fall Semester, with respect for our planet’s habitat close to heart.
“At the ACG Health & Wellness Center, we’re committed to promoting well-being while embracing sustainability in all our events through eco-friendly practices, upcycling, holistic workshops, environmental initiatives like beach cleanups, and more”, she says.
Here’s how Sophie and her team are making a difference:
Sustainable Events
Since 2016, the ACG Health & Wellness Center events have embraced sustainability with reusable banners, promotional materials, and decorations. Alongside that, they have introduced QR codes to reduce paper waste for the past five years.
Gifts and freebies are thoughtfully chosen, including plants such as olive trees and “adopt a plant” initiatives, as well as handmade items like painted rocks.
Upcycling and Reuse in Practice
Empty water bottles, face cream jars, bottles, and mugs are repurposed and given a new life, while reclaimed materials—wooden pallets and cable reels serve as furniture. Rocks and old wood pieces are transformed into signage for the College’s Zen garden!
Eco-friendly Workshops
The commitment to sustainability and safeguarding our planet extends to hosting holistic and eco-friendly workshops. Past workshops have included how to make DIY face creams, natural washing detergents, gardening without a garden, Kintsugi, and Salad Jars.
Environmental Initiatives
Beyond the practices followed at these events, they take action through several environmental initiatives. Notably, off-campus cleanups at locations like Sounion and the Acropolis, bee-feeding efforts, an interactive board to raise awareness about local wildlife, and adopt-a-stray campaigns.
At ACG, we proudly feature members of the ACG Community, students, faculty, and staff, who lead sustainable lives on campus and beyond and inspire our community.
Because ACG Cares!
Want to meet past Sustainability Faces? Scroll through our social media.
