EDITORIAL: Green campus supported by SUU leaders

The discussion about recycling is becoming more prominent at SUU and the University Journal Editorial Board applauds everyone who is making this eco-conscious effort a campus priority.

SUU’s Purchasing Department had a meeting Wednesday to discuss the active recycling program SUU has implemented.

We think training campus community members on the recycling methods available is a very smart idea, as many students, faculty and staff may be unaware of the options they have.

We live in an area that has not yet placed high importance on the need to recycle, or many other environmental issues.

We think that to not recycle because of associate costs or a social stigma is terribly short sighted and sad — especially on the part of southern Utah’s civic leaders.

SUU in this instance is being very foresighted in undertaking a campus-wide program that recycles paper, cans and plastic bottles.

We applaud Purchasing Director Pete Heilgeist and Recycling Coordinator Chad Thomas for their efforts to promote and expand this green option at SUU.

They are currently offering paper recycling in every building on campus and are working to offer the same services for other materials as well.

Thomas has stressed that if students, faculty and staff don’t show an interest in participating with campus recycling, administration won’t see it as important either, and ultimately won’t invest in the expansion of the program.

The program already recycles 1,500 pounds of paper, but there is potential for a greater variety of materials.

Echoing Thomas’s sentiment, we strongly encourage that everyone at SUU continue to take advantage of the recycling bins that are located throughout the school.

It’s not just recycling that helps out SUU and is good for the environment.

Simple things like shutting off the lights in empty rooms, reusing items and materials and purchasing biodegradable items can have an impact on the environment and can ultimately save SUU money.

It ultimately falls to us, the general population, to make this program a continuing success.
So be extra conscious of what you throw into the garbage, and with a little effort on our parts, we can keep a strong recycling program and even expand it.


The opinions expressed above are the collective perspective of the University Journal Editorial Board. The editorial board meets every Monday and Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in room 176C of the Sharwan Smith Center.

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