Professor by Day, Sustainability Advocate by Night

In Tanya Luhrmann’s day job, she serves as the Albert Ray Lang Professor of Anthropology (and Psychology, by courtesy). By night, she serves on the Board of the Stanford Campus Residential Leaseholders (SCRL) and as President of its Sustainability Committee - helping the over 1,000 staff and faculty who live on Stanford’s campus live more sustainably.

Tanya, who has lived on campus since 2007, joined the sustainability committee to connect with others interested in creating a future that can be sustained in this changing climate.

Part of Tanya’s work on the SCRL Sustainability includes hosting educational events for faculty and staff residents. Most recently, they hosted a composting and waste sorting workshop in collaboration with the Master Composters of Santa Clara County and the Stanford Office of Sustainability. Residents learned the basics of backyard composting as well as proper waste sorting tips and tricks. Stanford Alum and Master Composter, Dan Hefeman, shared best practices for managing a compost pile at home and highlighted the multiple benefits including lower emissions, increased soil health, and enhanced plant growth. This workshop spurred interest amongst neighbors to identify ways to reduce single-use plastics and increase durable alternatives. 

Beyond waste initiatives, Tanya has led efforts to switch from gas-powered leaf blowers to electric, which reduces noise and air pollution in the Stanford community, and has identified incentives for homeowners to add solar and electric appliances to their homes. 

Tanya looks forward to building on these successes and exploring other initiatives to rethink how the Stanford residential community can be more sustainable - including integrated pest management, responsible fire management, and learning to live more amicably with our animal friends - including coyotes.