A small group of dedicated students have long been rallying around environmental issues. Now it’s not just a minority of the student population that seems interested in sustainability. Trendy, recycling symbol-embossed bags and reusable water bottles have become a campus phenomenon.
It is more than these stylish accessories that define sustainability, and UCLA is taking progressive steps seriously in order to make the campus more environmentally friendly. Students shouldn’t just passively accept the changes, but support UCLA and participate in its green efforts.
Recently, UCLA Transportation Services sponsored Zimride, a Facebook application that enables students to arrange carpools to various locations. When you type in your destination, the system quickly matches you with someone else traveling there as well. It takes virtually no effort.
This application makes carpooling very accessible and curbs emissions. If you have a car, it might seem easy to just jump in and drive solo to your location, but sharing your car helps other students get to their destination and decreases the emissions produced when multiple cars take the same trip.
The Office of Residential Life is also developing eco-friendly programs. UCLA Dining Services is spearheading a transformative campaign to increase sustainable features on the Hill. Beginning this quarter, dining started its “beef-less” Thursdays program and composting in Rendezvous.
These efforts only add to an impressive list of the measure dining has implemented this year. At the beginning of winter quarter, the Hedrick dining hall went tray-less, and since Fall 2008 Hedrick has offered an all-organic salad bar during lunch. Also, the utensils and containers in Bruin Cafe and Rendezvous are biodegradable.
Instead of complaining about the decreased offering of meat or feeling frustrated that now multiple trips are required to gather the necessary mashed potatoes, salad, grilled cheese, coffee and cereal for any meal, students should embrace these efforts. They often have health, as well as environmental, benefits. The Freshman 15 might more easily be avoided.
“At first, being tray-less was really upsetting and difficult to adjust to. It entailed multiple trips to the various bars and soda fountains and dishwasher conveyor belt … and a lot of balance,” said A.J. Jennings, a first-year English student. “But after getting used to it, we realized that it was worth it and wasn’t that big of a deal.”
If students show their support for these programs, UCLA will continue to increase its sustainability programs. UCLA Dining wants to use basil from the Sunset Recreation garden in the organic salad bar, for example. Just as consumers dictate what stores produce, students can play a part in supporting UCLA’s efforts to “go green.” By verbally communicating your support, using Zimride, or by making the great trek up to Hedrick for an organic salad, students can make use of the new ways UCLA is becoming eco-friendly whether you live on or off the Hill.
Some of the other less noticeable ways UCLA is increasing sustainability include the sale of fair-trade coffee at the campus coffee shops. A midday cup of joe is a must for most students and, by paying the extra few cents, you are again showing through your consumer interest what matters to you, which will encourage UCLA on its path to sustainability. Students can also take advantage of living in Sproul Hall’s sustainable living community. At the beginning of March, the residents piloted a
zero-waste program aimed at decreasing the amount of trash the floor produced through reusing, recycling and composting. The Office of Residential Life is providing an invaluable educational opportunity for students to learn more about how communities can reduce trash creation and other environmentally friendly practices.
Beyond shopping at organic vendors such as Trader Joe’s and throwing away bottles in the recycling bins on campus, there are many ways students can support environmentally friendly programs. UCLA is making it extremely accessible for students to learn about proactive measures and put them to use. Speak up and show your support for the recent programs that have been implemented by using them. UCLA is quickly headed in an environmentally conscious direction, and increased student support will only hasten the campus’s transition toward sustainability.
If you’re stoked to balance your ice cream sundae, soda, french fries and organic salad instead of using a tray, then e-mail Mier at smier@media.ucla.edu. Send general comments to viewpoint@media.ucla.edu.