No tree hugging necessary

In a world where young people are often accused of being apathetic, IU students are proving that they do, in fact, give a "sh*t." The "Green Nalgene" project ("RHA Nalgene program aims to reduce waste," Jan. 27), instituted by Residence Halls Association with the cooperation of Residential Programs and Services, allows students to purchase a green plastic Nalgene bottle for $2. The bottle can then be refilled for 35 cents in campus food courts. The aim of the project is to reduce the paper waste produced in the food courts. \nThe project has been getting rave reviews from students and student groups alike, and the staff of the Indiana Daily Student would like to add its collective voice to the chorus of praise -- Go "Green Nalgene" project!\nAs students, we're hugely in favor of anything that saves us money. Instead of $1.29 for a Coke, we're only going to be paying 35 cents. If a student drinks one beverage a day at the new price instead of the old, and there are 180 days in a school year, the savings are about $170. That's, like, half a textbook. \nWe're also in favor of anything that helps the environment -- especially when all we have to do is remember to drag along our plastic bottle. Who knew that saving the planet could be as easy as slurping a Sprite?\nIn an organization the size of a university, it's often hard to identify solutions to even the most simple of problems. This is a great example of a simple problem -- too much waste -- being helped by an innovative solution -- reusable plastic bottles. \nThe project was started by Andrea Webster, who was a junior at the time, and Sarah Colan is now carrying on the project. These girls have got it together, and we applaud them for their efforts. \nBut this could be so much bigger than just plastic bottles. Wouldn't it be wonderful if every office on campus looked to the example of the "Green Nalgene" project? We've got great minds at work on campus -- and most of the administration is pretty clever, too. Take a hint from this great idea and start looking for innovative solutions of your own. \nFreshman Jessica Wilson said, "I love the Nalgene project because it helps the environment. You're doing something amazing and for $2, you get a bottle that can be refilled each time you eat for just the refill price. How awesome is that?"\nWe're with you, Jessica. It's pretty awesome.