Let's go greener

While a couple conservation efforts are in place, we hope for more on campus

Kelly Shaul

The Red and Black – September 9th, 2008

In an effort to conserve water, many dining halls nationwide are switching from plastic to paper trays, as reported on the front page of today's Red & Black.

University Food Services isn't planning on making the change yet, but it does use paper cups in Snelling Dining Hall between 10 p.m. and midnight to reduce water consumption, along with donating leftover food to cut down on waste.

The Red & Black editorial board commends the University - Full Plate's top contributor - for donating excess food to the recovery program, which then distributes it to the homeless and needy.

Though Snelling's paper products are non-recyclable, paper still helps conserve water - more than 2 million gallons last year - and a pulping machine minimizes waste produced by about 70 percent.

We appreciate Food Services' efforts to save water and reduce garbage, and hope the University continues to go green. The editorial board suggests the following to expand recycling on campus:

• Provide more recycling bins. Although the Student Learning Center houses a few near the elevators, students would be more willing to recycle if bins were spread around campus - convenience is key.
• Use recyclable paper products in dining halls. Following the other universities' lead could help reduce both water consumption and trash. The pulping machine's 70 percent waste reduction is great, but why not strive for 100 percent?