The Gibby coping program is a great thing for OU.
But if the university is making one step to ‘go green,’ that simply can’t be enough. This program is just one step in reducing OU’s carbon footprint.
There are many more efficient, easy steps that can be taken to make our campus even greener.
What about an OU garden? Students in science classes can help with this, as well as the biology club. Growing our own vegetables can save us money and make students feel a sense of pride when eating them.
Making a compost heap to divert waste from local landfills is easy to do. Once the students are informed on what this can do for the university, compost containers can be placed in the cafeteria.
Because compost can be used for farming and gardening, we could use the compost to help the university garden grow.
Recycling in the dorms isn’t a new project, but there could be more of an emphasis on it. Having small containers for plastic bottles and cans in each room is the best step to remind students to recycle. Bins are fairly cheap, and the RA’s could set up a program to express the importance of using the bins.
Bins have been placed in almost every building throughout campus in order to also make recycling more accessible and convenient. There could be bins placed in the snack bar to encourage students to recycle their plastic.
But it starts with simple steps you can do. Did you know that a drinking straw practically has no lifespan?
Sometimes, straws can’t be recycled (depending on what they’re made of) but it’s a small step into reducing garbage.
Glass can also be recycled. So, recycle your ‘root’ beer bottles. Don’t break them outside the halls or across the street. Recycle your cardboard from you bundles of water you buy. Use the green friendly bags when you grocery shop.
These things not only will make you feel better, but will also reduce the university waste. And we should want to help OU, right?
If your question is ‘but who will be in charge of all this?’ We can also offer a solution to that. Surely there are students on campus who want to go green or an existing club that wants to chip in. Our student body president is also available to take suggestions for what students want to see on campus.
While the efforts the university has done to become green are noted and effective, it’s important to take larger steps if we want to really help the earth.