As Ouachita has expanded to take on the “go green” initiative, faculty, staff and students have responded with support, according to energy manager David Owens and Vice President for Administrative Services Brett Powell.
“While the energy program is new, people generally support the effort to save money and save the environment,” Owens said. “People have begun turning off their lights when they leave a room, turning off computers when they are not in use and putting plastic bottles in the recycle bins.”
One recycling bin has been placed in each residence hall to collect clear plastic bottles as well as in Evans Student Center and Sturgis.
[quicktime]https://www.obusignal.com/video/goinggreen.mov[/quicktime]
If these bins seem to be filling quickly, more bins will be added, according to Powell.
“I don’t want overflowing bins to be a deterrent to anyone who is interested in recycling,” Powell said.
These bins will hopefully show students how easy it is to make a difference.
“I believe people’s support will turn into activism,” Owens said. “That is, once everyone sees how easy it is to save money and save the environment they will join the effort. The more convenient it is to recycle the greater the response will be.”
As Ouachita is expanding its energy conservation capabilities, the Arkansas Department of Human Development Center is expanding its capacity.
They have begun picking up recycling from several spots on campus,” Owens said. “As we grow they will grow; it’s a great example of a symbiotic relationship.”
According to Owens there has been a misunderstanding about some recycling habits. The ADHD will only accept paper that is clean with no food on it. Also, some bins say “white paper only,” which is incorrect. The ADHD accepts all paper.
According to Powell, administrative services is adjusting the process for recycling cardboard. Ouachita is currently collecting cardboard in the Commons, Chick-Fil-A and the maintenance building. But, Powell would like to see this expanded.
Owens plans to provide a six month update this spring that will show Ouachita’s energy conservation results. But, even without the specific results, Powell is confident the eagerness from faculty, staff and students to conserve will produce positive numbers.
Powell has received several responses about participation in a student advisory committee. He is looking for about 10-15 members who can “help us find ways to continually improve on our environmental efforts,” he said.
“I need people that can spread the word about our program as well as develop new ideas about how Ouachita can help save our environment and become better stewards for the resources God has given to us,” Owens said.
Powell encourages any interested students to contact him through e-mail at powellb@obu.edu, or visit him at administrative services in Cone Bottoms.
Yea Ouachita for GOING GREEN!