Premiere issue of green newsletter for students, faculty and staff

This is the debut issue of the University of Memphis’ official green newsletter, a means of communicating the U of M’s sustainability efforts to students, faculty and staff. It is designed with ideas from the entire campus community. Input is welcome as well as questions about how to become involved in the U of M’s green initiatives, whether you are a student or employee.

How did this all come about? Two years ago on behalf of the University, Dr. Shirley Raines signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, signaling the U of M’s commitment to a more sustainable campus. “To address environmental challenges, we are becoming a leader in sustainable technologies and practices, acting as a model for the community,” said Dr. Raines.

Since then, the student-initiated Green Activities Fee has been implemented, recycling efforts have been greatly enhanced, a sustainability coordinator has been added and several initiatives aimed at reducing energy consumption have been included.

Progress is being made: the U of M was recently ranked as one of the country’s most environmentally responsible universities by The Princeton Review. The education services company selected the U of M for inclusion in The Princeton Review’s Guide to 286 Green Colleges.

But there is still more that can be done, so join us as we make our campus even more environmentally friendly. For information on recycling and questions in general about campus green efforts, contact sustainability coordinator Amelia Mayahi at askosta@memphis.edu. To join the University’s green student group, Environmental Action Club, contact EAC president Jennifer Hooper at jdhoper1@memphis.edu. If you have story ideas for future issues of this newsletter, contact editor Greg Russell at grussll@memphis.edu.