The Importance of Being Green at HWC
By Jennifer Lara
Opinion/Staff Writer
If you’re the kind of person who, like myself, thinks about how the end of the world seems so near, I would hope you care about the environment and take time to reflect on how you can do your part. If not, you should start caring about the facilities you regularly attend and how they operate, in terms of sustainability and green resources for the sake of the environment.
Massive buildings such as college campuses, which are open almost 7 days a week, take up huge amounts of energy to run. These buildings have a tendency of using and needing the most resources to upkeep its maintenance which, over time, you can imagine definitely adds up and can be harmful to the environment.
Suggested alternatives can often be costly and perhaps discourage a large campus, and even refrain it from moving closer to a better future filled with conscious decisions made with the environment in mind.
I have seen my fair share of files, filled with paper to the point where the cabinet starts fighting you back as you try to close it. If we, as a campus, can try our best, we can reduce our paper usage. The alternative is to utilize online files which, luckily for us, we have multiple platforms for that can help us achieve virtual documentation at just a click away.
As students you probably (definitely) need a computer to attend your Zoom classes and do extra homework at home or even on campus. It is amazing that we have this at students’ disposal to use, however, for us to save energy, it is highly encouraged that we unplug electronics that are not frequently used. Bring your own laptop and take advantage of the loaner laptop program available in between semesters for students!
In terms of cleaning maintenance, it should be made a priority to use cleaning products that are non-toxic and safe for a campus that keeps students, staff, and faculty in mind. Additionally, we can clearly label trash, recycling, and compost bins to avoid any trash on campus that would cross-contaminate within the bins. Our campus needs a “green-team” who are committed to prioritizing sustainability and our health, as well as making sure that the campus is striving for a more sustainable and green future!
