Turn the Light Blue Green

Columbia and Barnard have joined eight other New York City colleges in adopting Mayor Bloomberg’s “30 in 10” challenge to become more environmentally friendly. In so doing, they have committed to reducing their greenhouse-gas emissions by 30 percent within 10 years. Nonetheless, the University’s ongoing environmental initiatives receive less attention than they deserve. Because such initiatives are often successful only when their existence is widely known, the University should better publicize its current and intended efforts at environmental reform.

There is no shortage of good ideas in the works. According to Director of Environmental Stewardship Nilda Mesa, the University has undertaken an inventory of its greenhouse-gas emissions at both the Morningside and medical school campuses. Lerner Hall’s entrance is now home to a 24-hour recycling center, the first of its kind in New York City. The center collects such items as clothing, batteries, and lightbulbs, which cannot be placed in standard recycling bins. Groups at the School of International and Public Affairs and at the law, business, and medical schools are auditing the recycling bins within their respective schools. Research scientists and School of Engineering and Applied Science faculty have paired up to install green roofs on two local buildings for work in environmental science. Another project, involving graduate students at SEAS and the business school, hopes to power campus security vehicles with electricity generated by the fitness machines in Dodge Fitness Center. But the administration has been largely silent about these welcome initiatives, which have in turn garnered little notice among students.

Word-of-mouth is no way to publicize environmental policy at an institution as large as Columbia. In January, Columbia Housing Services was right to alert first-years to its RecycleBank pilot program, which gives students iTunes gift cards and similar rewards in exchange for recycling at special kiosks within first-year dorms. The administration’s communication with the students who will make or break RecycleBank bodes well for the program’s future. The Lerner recycling center, in contrast, has languished in relative obscurity because students were not contacted when it opened for business. Recycling and waste-reduction programs will not reach their full potential without conscious efforts to raise awareness. Infrequent communication about environmental initiatives at Columbia is even more puzzling in light of the administration’s continuing efforts to improve the University’s public image. Columbia could advertise the work it does behind the scenes—such as the Surplus Reuse Program, which keeps office equipment and furniture out of landfills and reallocates them to local schools. Both program effectiveness and public relations argue in favor of greater publicity.

As it expands its profile on environmental issues, Columbia should take its cue from Barnard, which has been more vocal about its plan to “Go Green.” In December, Barnard’s Student Government Association e-mailed the college’s student body with detailed information about Bloomberg’s 30 in 10 plan, an energy audit of Barnard’s campus, and green design in the construction of the Nexus. Barnard’s EcoReps have been equally active, educating their peers about environmental issues and providing each first-year room with a recycling basket. Columbia College has EcoReps as well, and the General Studies Student Council is hoping to introduce its own. Additionally, the Columbia College Student Council has recently highlighted the Recyclemania program, but many students do not realize the full range of programs that are in effect. Student groups should work with the Department of Environmental Stewardship to provide students with comprehensive updates about green initiatives at Columbia.

Considered individually, most of these programs are small. Taken together, they can have a sizable impact on Columbia’s environmental footprint. Columbia has every reason to be proud of its environmental awareness, but it must instill that awareness in students and faculty if the University is truly to go green. In many areas of student life, the University can be faulted for not practicing what it preaches. Here, Columbia must preach what it practices.