Student Senate Resolution (2000)

Campus Environmental Improvement

Whereas, The students of Illinois Wesleyan University are increasingly concerned with environmental issues on our campus; and

Whereas, We understand the effects of the vast amounts of resources and energy consumed by our campus community; and

Whereas, We believe that our campus should take greater strides toward acting in an environmentally responsible manner; and

Whereas, There has been an increase of student awareness, the growth of the Environmental Studies Program, and several construction projects in process; and

Whereas, IWU has the opportunity and means to be an example for other universities, the Bloomington/Normal community, and to show prospective students that it is a priority to be a "green campus"; and

Whereas, Progressive campuses across the country have established that environmentally sound practices will save money, energy and resources over time; and

Whereas, We believe it is the responsibility of the administration, faculty, and staff to work with students to create goals and shape policies that affect all aspects of IWU.

Whereas, Environmental improvement is a critical and timely issue that should foster cooperation between students and University staff; and

Whereas, Our goal is to involve University employees and students in creating policies and programs that will promote environmental sustainability on all areas of this campus; and

Whereas, Communication with all appropriate groups is necessary and Student Senate along with the Environmental Concerns Organization are eager to work together with the University to make changes possible; therefore, be it

Resolved, That a committee be created consisting of students, faculty, administration, and staff, to be named the Green Task Force, to oversee the process of improving environmental needs of IWU. The duties of this group would be to develop a long-term environmental improvement plan and policy by assessing our environmental situation and conducting research on successful programs implemented by other universities.  The Green Task Force would also be consulted in renovations or new university projects to assure they are carried out in an environmentally friendly manner; And

Be it further resolved, That, after the research and planning of the Green Task Force, a standing All-University Committee be created to continue enhancing environmental awareness and provide an active leadership role in environmental sustainability;

Proposed Suggestions for Campus Environmental Improvements

That the existing environmental programs be continued and expanded:

• Establish glass recycling in all University buildings.
• Expand plastic recycling to all University buildings.
• Provide basic recycling opportunities around the Nell Eckley Quadrangle, like aluminum and plastic.
• Purchase energy efficient light bulbs when possible, like compact florescent light bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs.
• Continue implementing light sensors in small rooms, like offices or bathrooms to save electricity.
• Increase water conservation methods in new bathrooms, like sink faucets with motion censors and toilets that use the least amount of water possible when flushing.
• Implement environmentally friendly ways to dispose of out-dated computers.
• Increase the amount of posting areas for information and publicity in all living units and office buildings to decrease paper used for mass University mailings.;

That the Green Task Force consider the following basic needs in all areas of campus:

• Provide copy machines for student use that allows two-sided copies to be made, which will save paper.
• Urge faculty and staff to print on both sides of paper when possible, since the machines they have access to allow for two-sided copies.
• Encourage faculty to use more overheads, email messages, or websites to reduce paper waste from handouts.
• Establish a policy that encourages purchasing recycled products when buying University supplies, especially recycled paper.
• Controlling the temperatures in University buildings, especially residence halls, to promote cost and energy efficient use of heat and air conditioning.  Many times the temperatures are too warm during the cold months and are too cold during the warm months.
• Encourage reduction of food waste in dining areas and recycle current waste through fertilizer or composting practices.
• Ensure the most efficient use of unused and/or unopened food, including the possibility of donating food to local shelters.
• Display native plants around campus, which require less water, pesticides and fertilizer than non-native plants.;

That the Green Task Force consider the following programs in future planning, construction of future projects and buildings:

• Explore the use of solar panels to provide clean electricity and energy for heating water and air in new buildings and the entire campus.
• Recycle furniture when doing remodeling or donate the furniture to thrift stores.