Ohio State has adopted a new environmental policy that sets the bar for universities looking to make their campus a little more environmentally friendly.
The new policy ensures that copy paper used on campus is at least 30 percent recycled material, according to an OSU press release. This policy allows the university to save enough energy to power 62 homes, save water resources and landfill space and defend over 8,000 trees.
The recycled paper policy has been in the works since October, said OSU president E. Gordon Gee, and adds to a number of environmental policies at OSU. The university has already initiated policies such as a bus fleet that runs on biodiesel, energy-saving lights, recycling programs in residence halls, car sharing programs and more, according to the press release.
It has strengthened OSU's reputation as an environmentally-oriented campus.
"We hope Ohio State can become a benchmark for other universities to follow and give us something positive to build upon as we continue to search for ways to become more environmentally responsible," he said in the press release.
"This is a much better policy than our peer institutions," Gee said.
A group of students, staff and faculty designed the policy, said Gee, adding that outside student groups also influenced it.
"The policy is driven by student interest in environmental issues," he said.
Hudson McFann, a sophomore in geography and co-president of Students for Sustainable Campus loves the new policy.
McFann said he wrote a letter to Gee and the administration to get his group involved and to show support.
"It's gonna be a good symbolic first step in terms of the university adopting (a) more environmentally-friendly policy," he said. "It's the largest way to show students the university is committed to these issues."
While students may not feel the direct impact of this new policy, the administration will.
"To commit to environmental issues... has costs," Gee said. "Over time it will weigh itself out. Administratively, it'll be better."
Everdeen Mason can be reached at mason.388@osu.edu.
2008 Woodie Awards
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Neal Hicks
posted 3/27/08 @ 10:24 AM EST
Green policies aren't really about the budget or how we measure up in US News or how good the administration feels about itself or how OSU is reported about in the press. (Continued…)
Emily Ellis
posted 3/27/08 @ 3:56 PM EST
This article truely disappointing and offensive. Despite the author's knowledge and access to resources concerning the subject, the story represents nothing but a press release from the president's office. (Continued…)
Katie
posted 3/27/08 @ 6:39 PM EST
It's about time...
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