TU takes steps to make campus green

By: Mary-Ellen Davis, Contributing Writer

Towson University will take steps to create a more sustainable campus environment this fall. These measures will including composting, programs about biking and carpooling and events hosted by different organizations on campus.

In support of these practices, students participated in a “greener move-in.” During move-in, students could pick up LED light bulbs and pamphlets outlining some techniques they could use to conserve resources on campus.

Certain buildings on campus will begin to compost organic matter. Due to the amount of training it requires to make sure composting is done correctly, these measures are currently taking place in buildings with food services, such as dining halls.

According to Campus Planning and Sustainability Manager Patricia Watson, buildings with apartment style living will be targeted with the hopes of reducing waste in buildings like Marshall, Carroll, Millennium and Towson Run. Watson said that she and the Office of Sustainability “want to grow the program, but it needs to be done properly and with a lot of education first.”

In order to participate, students will have sign up and partake in training in order to learn the skill sets needed to properly compost organic material. The expansion of this project is currently pending with Housing and Residence Life.

Students will also be able to help raise awareness on World Car Free Day on Sept. 22, a day dedicated to getting vehicles off of the roads and people on bikes in order to help cut back on carbon emissions.

Daniela Beall, graduate student for environmental initiatives, said that students can sign up for a Bike Share program through Campus Recreation, with registration beginning Sept. 5.

It is a low cost, semester rent program, and the first 28 students who register will be eligible to receive a bike for the fall semester.

In light of the fall football season and the upcoming Homecoming weekend, Watson also discussed waste collection at tailgates.
“We do realize that waste collection at tailgates takes a lot of resources and personnel, so how do we make it successful with the resources we do have. It’s just about creating the opportunity,” Watson said.

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