While installing energy-efficient lighting and getting compostable cups in the cafeteria is an important part of the initiative, changing peoples' attitudes perhaps is the biggest battle facing the greening team.
And who better to take on that effort than a former beauty queen?
"She has fantastic abilities to mobilize people and get them engaged,"
said Leith Sharp, director of Harvard's Green Campus Initiative, "and get them to be enthusiastic about participating in sustainability."
It is clear from a few minutes of chatting with Rogers that she isn't the stereotypical pageant girl, more concerned with her looks than the news of the day.
She can discuss an array of greening issues, from compact florescent light bulbs to carbon credits to how maintaining the proper air pressure in truck tires saves on gas.
And she'll stick up for what she believes. Rogers quickly defended Green the Capitol when asked about recent criticism that the initiative — and in particular its $89,000 purchase of carbon offset credits — is a waste of taxpayer dollars.
"I see that really as one of the myths," Rogers said, explaining that the credits are needed for the House to meet its goal of becoming carbon neutral.
"This office is really looking at every opportunity," Rogers added.
"Especially the opportunities that will also save money."
Rogers described her job as supporting the House's overall sustainability. She works with the chamber's office coordinators — who each oversee 30 or more House offices — on developing green business practices.
Rogers also is helping with plans to track the 133 recommendations included in the Green the Capitol report, which was presented by Chief Administrative Officer Dan Beard in June 2007.
Rogers didn't always have ambitions to be a beauty queen. Growing up in Providence, she played baseball alongside her twin brother, Brian, instead of practicing her pageant wave.
But she always has been aware of the environment. Her parents, who both worked for the Postal Service, made a point of saving money by turning off unused lights, and the family frequently spent time outdoors, Rogers said.