Countless protests and rallies over the years have made Eugene and the University nearly synonymous with activism, and some groups on campus push for a greener and safer environment.
But despite the University’s reputation as a environment-friendly campus, many say more could be done.
Though the school’s recycling program and the number of students who use environmentally friendly transportation are two ways the University promotes environmental awareness, some people believe environmental programs are not living up to their full potential.
“We certainly have one of the best recycling programs,” said Galen Martin, undergraduate adviser for environmental studies. “[But] there’s always more you can do.”
Martin said he would like to see more people carpool, which he said can cut down on air pollution.
Karyn Kaplan, the recycling program manager for facilities services, said she believes the recycling program is top-notch, but it takes student participation to keep it going.
“If they’re not willing to recycle, I can’t put a gun to their head,” she said.
The University has an environmental policy statement titled “Comprehensive Environmental Policy.” In it, the University says it strives to “enrich the public that sustains it” by accepting “the challenge of an evolving social, political and technological environment.” Further, the University “affirms its commitment to environmental excellence.”
Todd Miller, a graduate teaching fellow in environmental studies, agreed the recycling program is strong, but he would also like to see more done to protect the environment.
He said the University needs to reduce the amount of trash on campus.
Brian Fuller, a waste reduction analyst for the Eugene branch of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, said the University needs to address the issue of food waste.
He lauded the University for creating a sustainability policy and said it is a step in the right direction to creating a better environment.
Fuller added that he would like to see the University do a better job of recycling materials from construction sites.
Miller praised the students for using bicycles on and around campus and said the University has done a good job providing bike racks.
“It’s an incredibly bicycle-friendly campus,” he said.
Gretchen Hughes, also a GTF for environmental studies, said she believes the University does better than many schools, but she is disappointed because the University has not won any major awards for its environmental policies. She said food waste in the EMU is something she would like the University to address.
Martin said classes taught by the environmental studies program are well-structured, but he believes more could be done outside the department.
“I think there needs to be much more dialogue with the professional schools,” he said.
Hughes also said there are many classes that do a good job of getting students to care about the environment, but sometimes students don’t connect with what they are being taught.
Ken Stephens, who is in charge of garbage services for University Facilities Services, said the University provides dumpsters on campus to encourage students to throw their waste in containers rather than on the ground. He said about six tons of garbage is produced each day, totaling anywhere from 30 to 35 tons a week.
A 1999-2000 waste study shows the University recycled 1,321.58 tons of materials, including paper, plastic, tires, motor oil and even paint thinner.
The University recycling program has begun researching post-consumer waste composting, as well as worm composting, to create compost materials for soil at the Urban Farm Garden.
“We recycle everything possible,” Kaplan said.