Ecolympics urges students to recycle

In the high-stress atmosphere that dominates the University, many students are accustomed to competing for grades, jobs and internships.

But some students are vying for ice cream in the Ecolympics, an Environmental Theme Semester activity sponsored by several University departments.

Based on their number of occupants, residence halls are placed into one of three categories in which they conserve energy, reduce waste and increase recycling.

The prize for the winning hall in each category is an ice cream party for its residents.

"The Ecolympics is designed to re-energize and recommit the resident populations in halls to participate in recycling," said Alan Levy, University Housing director of public affairs and information.

University Housing has been keeping track of the amount of energy used and waste recycled in each residence hall from January until March.

Monthly totals for each hall will be compared to last year's monthly totals. An increase in recycling efforts or a decrease in energy consumption earns Ecolympic points for the hall.

Levy said University Housing is committed to environmental issues but cannot make improvements without the participation of Housing residents.

"This is a very good opportunity to re-dedicate our efforts and get our residents focused on our objectives and goals," Levy said.

SNRE senior John Kazmierski, a Recycling/Waste Services intern, said the Ecolympics is one of several environmental activities supported by Housing.

"It saves utilities," Kazmierski said. "It saves energy. It saves the University money."

Mike Shriberg, a Rackham fourth-year student and coordinator of the Environmental Theme Semester, said the goal is not to save money but to focus on the environment.

The Environmental Theme Semester is a fitting time to start the Ecolympics and other activities to educate students on environmental issues, Shriberg said.

"Students during this theme semester have been more active than in other theme semesters," Shriberg said.

LSA sophomore David Willens said the Ecolympics will not affect his recycling efforts since he already recycles.

He said the Ecolympics have been well-publicized by Housing.

"I think their intentions are in the right place, but I am not sure students will respond," Willens said.

The January standings for the Ecolympics show South Quad, Baits Houses and Helen Newberry/Betsey Barbour as the current leaders in the three categories.

An environmental justice program and an endangered species program also have taken place in many dorms.

03-25-98