A sustainable campus

'U' should commit itself to environment

This past Wednesday, was "America Recycles Day," a national holiday dedicated to expanding recycling efforts. The day, declared by President Clinton and affirmed locally by the Michigan Student Assembly, focused attention here on campus on environmental issues.

Although the University pursues a number of ecological programs and strategies in its current operations, the University's Mission and Vision statement does not mention environmental issues.

Sustainable U of M, ENACT, the Environmental Issues Commission of MSA and more than 250 students support an initiative to convince the University to adopt a concrete commitment to environmental sustainability. The University has already taken steps towards a commitment to sustainability and should adopt a clear statement and plan for sustainability for environmental, economic and political reasons.

The University currently has a large recycling program - recycling bins are readily available in all residence halls and most University buildings and public areas have special receptacles for recycling newspapers, computer paper, bottles and cans. Because the University encompasses so many people and so many buildings, adopting a strategy to expand recycling and efficiency campus-wide would significantly impact the amounts of energy consumed and waste produced by the University community.

On a purely economic level, proponents of the sustainability initiative claim that similar programs nationwide save schools $17 million annually. Prudent investing in efficient technologies today can save the University money later.

Finally, the University should utilize the enthusiasm and expertise of faculty and students to fulfill its obligation to take a leadership role in this important issue. Many colleges and universities have already adopted similar sustainability mission statements, including Tufts University, Brown University, Dartmouth, George Washington University and Carnegie Mellon University. The initiative also enjoys the support of Jim Christenson, the director of Plant Operations and state representative-elect Chris Kolb. In order to codify and reinforce existing policies, protect the environment, save money and act as an environmental leader, the University should adopt a sustainability policy.

Recycling On Campus:

Go to www.recycle.umich.edu which lists receptacles in residence halls and University buildings

Recycling Off Campus:

The City of Ann Arbor provides curbside collection of paper products and containers. A variety of materials can be recycled at the city of Ann Arbor drop-off station at 2950 E. Ellsworth Rd.

Phone: (734) 971-7400 ext. 4

Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visit www.recycleannarbor.org for more information.