I'm writing in response to Phil Aubart's column regarding recycling in the Greek System ("A Greener System," Feb. 22) after discussing the issue with my predecessor, Kaili Lambe '09. While I'm excited by the recent increased attention surrounding campus sustainability, I find Aubart's proposal a one-dimensional Band-Aid solution. Although it's nice to hear that a self-proclaimed conservative is paying attention to the environment, it seems that he is more disgruntled about his friend's expensive solution not being adopted by coed, fraternity and sorority organizations. Furthermore, Aubart only undermines his call for change by his attempt to downplay the hard work of many ambitious students to convert North Hall into the Sustainable Living Center by regarding the initiative as a mere publicity stunt.
Over just the past three terms, there has been great improvement with respect to recycling within the Greek system. Contrary to Aubart's assertion, at least five Greek houses thoroughly recycle and a number of others have partial recycling programs. In addition, several undergraduate societies have successful recycling and composting systems. While the campus is moving in the right direction, these changes have been largely the result of initiatives from a few Greek house's members.
One of the largest obstacles I've encountered in our work is student apathy and diffusion of responsibility. In the house that Aubart identified as the only one with a successful recycling program, all of the organization's members contribute to the program. This is the goal we should be moving towards in order to have a significant impact.
Of course it would be ideal if students were interested in recycling for the sake of protecting the environment, but Aubart's point that material incentive might be necessary is well taken. I've explored this option in depth, and have found that a small monetary incentive is not significant enough to encourage students who otherwise are not motivated to take a few extra steps in order to make a difference.
The feedback I've received from members of Greek organizations is that recycling will only happen when there is negative reinforcement. Bones Gate Fraternity's Sustainability Coordinator Merritt Jenkins '10 proposed the idea that Greek organizations could be fined for not recycling. The fines could then be placed in a fund to promote "green" initiatives within the Greek system. This would reduce apathy and motivate students to find new ways to make their houses more sustainable and put the fines to good use.
One of the problems we face is delicate balance between the administration's acknowledgement and feigned ignorance about alcohol consumption on campus. The College must consider the connectedness of the recycling problem and alcohol consumption. For instance, the current keg policy makes it incredibly difficult for Greeks to reduce their one-time use waste. People have fought this policy for a long time, but never from an environmental standpoint. The keg policy was enacted without consideration for its environmental impact. Since its inception, heaps of aluminum cans have piled sky-high in our dumpsters. The policy is a superficial statement: The College dislikes what a keg represents. What is more important to note is that kegs take longer to serve than cans and may, in fact, be more effective at cutting down on excessive alcohol consumption. All kegs are recycled, cleaned and re-used; they are far better for the environment.
I call on you, College administrators, to think of the environment and your students when upholding this public relations"tailored policy. Maneuvering through the various levels of administrative oversight is difficult, but with the help of the newly hired sustainability manager, I look forward to working with the administration to achieve a reasonable policy.
In order for us to move forward, the Greek system as a whole must believe in the importance of recycling. Simple changes in behavior can help recycling within houses to become the accepted culture. Backed by the interest of students, the College should be able to provide the framework for change, as well as any equipment that would help make recycling more feasible.
Seeing the increasing action in Greek recycling -- especially this term -- has been heartening. With this growth of interest we all can move towards a much more sustainable future and address other issues such as energy consumption. I would like to thank those people in Greek houses that have already taken it upon themselves to initiate change.
