Students Lead The Way In "Go-Green" Movement

By: Sierra Henderson

Posted: 2/27/08

While the devastation of Hurricane Katrina drew many to heightened awareness about environmental issues, it is college students who have been the driving force behind the Go Green movement.

Rallies and protest marches have not gone unnoticed on campuses and in Congress. Both school administrators and elected officials are making concessions to the Green cause. Aside from their lofty idealism, students have a vested interest in ensuring natural resources are not depleted or contaminated in their lifetimes. In many instances, students are demanding eco-friendly practices at their institutions.

New construction on college and university campuses across the country provides an opportunity for conversion to earth-friendly buildings. Some institutions, however, are slower in making that transition than others.

The debate over the potential costs and benefits of outfitting new facilities with energy efficient appliances, water conserving fixtures and recycling receptacles is still ongoing. For administrators already struggling to manage rising tuition fees, cost-effectiveness is a main concern.

Cost is also a consideration for students trying to emulate an eco-conscious lifestyle. Students are especially notorious for their use of disposable products such as take-out boxes or paper and plastic utensils. Yet finding ways to recycle and buy eco-friendly products can be especially expensive and inconvenient if there are no institutional measures to accommodate these practices. If the local grocery does not offer chemical-free cleaners or recycling services are not offered on campus, some are discouraged from even trying.

Journalism major and an admitted Tree Hugger Kristen Reed said, "I see an abundance of papers and flyers littering the campus. I've seen maybe like one [recycling bin] in the student center."

In an earlier article Michael M. Lacour, Vice President of Management Services for Clark's campus, said the school is abiding by EPA standards, but Clark Atlanta University is likely reflective of the city at large.

Atlanta, which ranks poorly among places that institute municipally funded and required recycling programs, placed 38th out of 50 cities in a ranking conducted by Sustainlane.com. The city scored comparatively low in the category of solid waste diversion.

Georgians should be especially sensitive to sustainability issues because of the ongoing water shortage that has affected homeowners and businesses mostly, but is already beginning to take a toll on recreation in Atlanta.

However, the potential for the shortage to worsen is likely and could have a more direct impact on students living in off-campus housing in the form of rising water bills.

In her personal conservation efforts Reed says she practices water conservation with short showers and big laundry loads. She air dries her laundry and is a proponent of eco-fashions.