Green housing has nothing to do with the color of walls

By: Stephanie Scalise

Posted: 3/27/08

NDNU continues its efforts to become green. Next year, New Hall West first floor will be set aside for students who are interested in living the "green lifestyle."

Jacque Little, assistant director of residence life, spearheaded the idea when thinking of ideas for themed housing.

According to Little, students will decide how they will go green, whether it is recycling, using "green" cleaning products, conserving energy, etc.

Students who are interested are not required to already be living the "green lifestyle." It is an opportunity for students to learn more about going green.

"I want to learn how to make our school eco-friendly and to be able to be a green school," said Junior Annie Schweibinz.

"Sustainability is really important. This is something that I want to work on for myself and something that our school can work on too."

Going green has become more popular over the last couple of years. The world population continues to increase, but unfortunately, the natural resources aren't.

Acording to Little, recycling is a program that NDNU would really like to expand. The benefits of recycling are numerous. Go Green Initiative lists a few reasons to recycle on their website at gogreeninitiative.org.

Three of these reasons are

1. For every ton of paper that is recycled 7,000 gallons of water and 380 gallons of oil is saved. Also, by recycling a ton of paper enough electricity is saved to power the average household for six months.

2. Recycling one aluminum can saves enough electricity to power a TV for six hours.

3. A 100-watt bulb can be powered for four hours by recycling one glass bottle.

"I feel like our campus needs to be more proactive about going green," said Junior Minh Vu.

This is the first year that NDNU has offered a green floor for housing, but living resourcefully has always been encouraged.

"I'm really excited about students being interested in this opportunity," said Little "I hope their involvement will continue through out the year."