It’s the start of a new school year. A cloud of anxiousness and excitement hangs over our beautiful campus.
It’s the start of a new school year. A cloud of anxiousness and excitement hangs over our beautiful campus. Yes, it sure is great to be back in Athens and now that students are back, we can resume the exhilarating feeling of independent living. For freshmen, it will be an entirely new living experience, and I believe that with this great independence come many responsibilities.
One duty in particular is going green, and doing our part to help make sure our beautiful Athens environment flourishes. As full-time students with extra-curricular activities, whether it’s a club, athletic team, or a job, we are all busy. So why should we be worried about the environment, when we already have so much on our plate? Well without Athens’ great environment and community, none of us would be here and be able to do all of the great things OU has to offer.
Going green is a simple thing to do. Before I became involved with the environment, my biggest problem was that I simply did not know how to help, so don’t be afraid to ask for it. If that doesn’t work there are many Environmental Clubs at OU that would love to answer your questions. I spoke to Abe Kitchen, president of Eco Reps and Liz Emley, a senior member, and Abe said his best advice is, “The easiest way to help is to bring reusable items, whether that is bags, bowls, cups, really anything,” but if you’re unable to get in touch with anyone, then you can also simply search online for ways to help.
Here are some helpful hints: First, evaluate how you go through a normal day and what you can do to be as environmentally efficient as possible. Part of this is realizing that doing small things really does matter. After you have done this, it’s time to put those thoughts into action. You can help by reutilizing all recyclable materials, tracking how much water you use when showering or using a sink, turning off lights and unplugging electronics when neither are in use, and going outside to study instead of using up energy to stay cool inside. Whether you live in a dorm, house, or apartment, all of these can apply to you and they are all easy ways to help out!
Another way to become more environmentally friendly is by buying a reusable water bottle and/or coffee cup. It is much cheaper than having to buy water bottles every week, and most coffee shops give discounts if you bring your own mug. Plus, it saves all the plastic and other materials that would be used instead. This may seem like a beginner’s guide, but once you start doing the little things, you’ll already be protecting our environment. Not only that, but you will want to seek even more ways to keep Athens beautiful.
Athens has become my home. I care about the people here and the environment that surrounds us. I believe we have much more to gain by protecting it, rather than using it recklessly. Good luck to everyone this year, and remember to go and stay green.
Grant Stover is a sophomore studying English and a concerned environmentalist. How else can students protect the environment? Email him at gs155412@ohio.edu
