Seton Hill University (SHU) has always had an eye out for its community and the people involved. By starting the “The Green Commitment” they are allowing others to get involved to help out their community as well.
The program was initiated by Cindy Boland, director of campus ministries, to take small steps to make SHU’s carbon footprint less of a problem.
By Shellie Polly
Staff Writer
Seton Hill University (SHU) has always had an eye out for its community and the people involved. By starting the “The Green Commitment” they are allowing others to get involved to help out their community as well.
The program was initiated by Cindy Boland, director of campus ministries, to take small steps to make SHU’s carbon footprint less of a problem.
Boland and Darren Achtzehn, director of food service, tossed around a few ideas about the whole matter. They finally decided to make SHU “Go Green” and started to think of ways to get the word out.
“We are calling it a ‘commitment’ rather than a club. It implies something that is on-going, continuous and done by everyone on campus; from the President’s Office to visitors on campus,” said Boland.
Recycling bins were put out in various locations around campus. There were many available at Labor of Love and also in all dorm buildings.
“We are in the process of getting more bins, but we are hoping that all members of the SHU community will take the extra step to recycle,” said Katie Fritsch, a sophomore student involved in the Go Green Commitment.
One big thing that is helping this movement is the support of the university. Although its success is 100 percent based on student participation, many others are showing their support as well.
The food services, maintenance, and other departments are getting involved and the University is in the process of including a “green” statement into the strategic plan which is huge.
“The first step to participating in this commitment is to reduce, reuse, and recycle on a day-to-day basis on campus and at home,” said Boland.
Boland spoke with the Seton Hill Government Association (SHGA) and the Residence Life staff to help get everyone on board, but what really opened everyone’s eyes was the table set up at club fair where over 150 students made the Green Commitment.
“Those interested in leading the initiative meet occasionally, but we aren’t the ones really making the difference. The students reducing their waste and recycling; the rest are the ones who are going to make the differenceî said Lara Heinz, a sophomore involved in the Go Green Commitment.
The Green Commitment motto is that small steps, consistently taken, will make a difference. Their current mission is to make the faculty, staff and students aware of what it means to go green and the positive affects it will have on the environment.
So make the small step and recycle what you use. Use less water and turn off the lights when you leave the room. Those are the simple things that will make a difference in the world.
If you would like to learn more there will be presentation on October 15, at 8:30 p.m. in the Greensburg Room.
