It's not easy being green but NDNU is taking a shot at it
Natalie Albanese
Issue date: 11/15/07 Section: News
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The newest catch phrase on campus is "Going Green". You hear it when talking about the cafeteria or at an RHA function, but what does it actually mean?
"It is a movement to become more environmentally friendly," according to Leilani Kaleiwahea, ASNDNU treasurer. She and the other AS members hope to bring more attention to improving the campus environment.
Kaleiwahea is also an RA for the Wilkie apartments and organizer of the Going Green informational night. Junior Annie Schweibinz said she remembers playing "Going Green Jeopardy" with questions about the environment.
"I think it's awesome," said Schweibinz, "I'm glad that AS has taken a stand and has gotten positive feed back."
However, NDNU might be greener than you think. Susan Mamlok, director of the NDNU Café, said she is working hard to be environmentally conscious, which goes beyond the café's biodegradable "spud ware."
The café staff is diligent, she said, in sorting through every thing that is left on the return rack. Whatever can be recycled is collected, which naturally includes bottles, spud ware and food.
Even leftovers are put to good use as food waste is sent to Milpitas where it is then converted into compost for gardening soil. That means last night's pasta could grow into tomorrow's salad bar!
Deidre Mefford, the school's facilities director, said she is also dedicated to keeping NDNU green.
"I think we should spend the money to do it right and keep the campus clean and green," said Mefford, who spends nearly $600 a year of facility funds on recycling campus lights (which are all energy efficient) and up to $1,000 on disposing chemicals from the science labs, art rooms and photo dark room.
"If the students have suggestions, feel free to tell me," said Mefford, whose extension is 3559. She welcomes members of the NDNU community to share their ideas about making the campus greener. Students and faculty are also encouraged to bring any major recycling down to facilities to be hauled away.
"I know a lot of students who collect [recycling], but I think there is a lot that can be better," said Kaleiwahea. It is certainly true, considering the fact that custodians must spend two to three hours on a Monday morning to clean up the weekend's litter.
ASNDNU, the Café, and facilities all have been in talks about putting more recycling and garbage bins throughout campus, as it has been a major concern for many students.
"They should have one on each of the resident floors, at least. And throughout the entire campus," said Angela Gomez, a senior, who lives in New Hall.
Going Green is a new wave that has hit the school but this is only the beginning as more and more of the NDNU community is becoming environmentally conscious.
The reason? As Mamlok and others see it, "It is the right thing to do."
"It is a movement to become more environmentally friendly," according to Leilani Kaleiwahea, ASNDNU treasurer. She and the other AS members hope to bring more attention to improving the campus environment.
Kaleiwahea is also an RA for the Wilkie apartments and organizer of the Going Green informational night. Junior Annie Schweibinz said she remembers playing "Going Green Jeopardy" with questions about the environment.
"I think it's awesome," said Schweibinz, "I'm glad that AS has taken a stand and has gotten positive feed back."
However, NDNU might be greener than you think. Susan Mamlok, director of the NDNU Café, said she is working hard to be environmentally conscious, which goes beyond the café's biodegradable "spud ware."
The café staff is diligent, she said, in sorting through every thing that is left on the return rack. Whatever can be recycled is collected, which naturally includes bottles, spud ware and food.
Even leftovers are put to good use as food waste is sent to Milpitas where it is then converted into compost for gardening soil. That means last night's pasta could grow into tomorrow's salad bar!
Deidre Mefford, the school's facilities director, said she is also dedicated to keeping NDNU green.
"I think we should spend the money to do it right and keep the campus clean and green," said Mefford, who spends nearly $600 a year of facility funds on recycling campus lights (which are all energy efficient) and up to $1,000 on disposing chemicals from the science labs, art rooms and photo dark room.
"If the students have suggestions, feel free to tell me," said Mefford, whose extension is 3559. She welcomes members of the NDNU community to share their ideas about making the campus greener. Students and faculty are also encouraged to bring any major recycling down to facilities to be hauled away.
"I know a lot of students who collect [recycling], but I think there is a lot that can be better," said Kaleiwahea. It is certainly true, considering the fact that custodians must spend two to three hours on a Monday morning to clean up the weekend's litter.
ASNDNU, the Café, and facilities all have been in talks about putting more recycling and garbage bins throughout campus, as it has been a major concern for many students.
"They should have one on each of the resident floors, at least. And throughout the entire campus," said Angela Gomez, a senior, who lives in New Hall.
Going Green is a new wave that has hit the school but this is only the beginning as more and more of the NDNU community is becoming environmentally conscious.
The reason? As Mamlok and others see it, "It is the right thing to do."
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