RPS makes ‘green’ push in dorms

Every day students make decisions that affect their carbon footprint in major ways.

That is why Associate Director of Environmental Operations Steve Akers said he is encouraging students to make better choices for the environment.

For the past few years, Residential Programs and Services has been implementing ways to educate students about how to help the environment. Akers said RPS has been trying different methods to show students they can make a difference.

“We are trying to build better citizens of earth,” he said.

In the last two years, RPS has started this effort as students arrive on campus.

Giant dumpsters were placed outside the residence halls with signs promoting the recycling of cardboard boxes. More than 12 tons of cardboard was recycled last year, Akers said, and he was hoping for more this year. Although Akers does not yet know the amount recycled this year, he said all dumpsters were emptied at least twice.

RPS has more than 700 recycling bins on all floors and lobbies in the 11 residence halls, Akers said. Students can recycle plastic, glass and paper, Akers said, as well as batteries, old cell phones and old printer cartridges.

An environmental manager has also been hired for each residence hall, he said. Managers help educate students and work more closely with the residents and target the individual needs of the halls.

The Office of Sustainability also started early to encourage students to think green. Emilie Rex, sustainability program coordinator, said they placed compost stations near certain buildings during freshman orientation.

“With an event that big, a lot of waste is generated,” she said.

The compost was then used to help the Bloomington City Garden Project. Rex said the project’s gardens were expanded and the compost helped fertilize new land.

Freshmen were also given handouts at orientation explaining what can be composted and recycled and the benefits of carrying a reusable water bottle, Rex said.

“We wanted to pick things that could become long-term habits for students,” Rex said.
Some students around campus seem to have taken these tips to heart and are trying to reduce their carbon footprint.

Freshman Erin Jeter said she recycles in Read Center. She gives new life to paper, glass and plastic bottles and tries to recycle batteries when possible. The only problem, she said, is trying to find where to take the recyclable material.

“Wherever you are on campus, you should be able to have recycling bins near you,” Jeter said.

Even students no longer living in the residence halls are returning just to recycle.

Sophomore Ariel Luley said she and her roommates bring all of their cans and bottles to Forest Quad because their apartment does not have recycling available.

Akers said RPS is encouraging students to recycle because it keeps waste out of landfills. The more material recycled, the longer landfills will last, he said.

RPS’s goal is to help students make permanent changes that will carry beyond their years at IU.

“We want to help educate students so when they move out they can still be aware of their choices,” Akers said.