UMaine environment

The University of Maine’s hesitant work to become an environmental citizen continues. Its sorely neglected recycling program started up again last fall with a competent Sustainability Officer at its helm. A Cooperative Extension Professor continues to direct a vibrant composting program. A committee has begun actions to reduce paper use in the computer clusters. UMaine also is converting its steam plant to a cleaner source of energy, natural gas, and has an active energy-conservation committee. All these are very positive. Now, the University needs an Environmental Management System, one capable of preventing the following types of situations.

Consider waste minimization. State law 2137 requires recycling and waste minimization on University of Maine System campuses, requiring each to “establish and implement a waste reduction program for materials used in the course of its operations … to achieve the maximum feasible reduction of waste.” Also the Board of Trustees devotes a web page to UMS recycling and waste minimization responsibilities. Toward the same end, the UMaine Faculty Senate approved a Waste Minimization Committee three years ago – but the administration has yet to call a meeting of that committee.

What happened during those years? Come buy food at the newly renovated Union and see for yourself. Whereas previously you had the option of reusable tableware, the Union has converted to 100 percent disposables. This shift to disposables was instituted oblivious of state law, and as a once model UMaine recycling and waste minimization rate of 70 percent fell to 40 percent.

Consider energy use. In April 2001 the UMaine Sustainability Coalition asked President Peter Hoff to initiate an energy-conservation campaign to educate students, faculty and staff on the environmental impacts of using energy, and provide information to reduce energy use. A campaign could also stimulate student projects directed toward campus energy efficiency, and work with communities on projects to benefit both UMaine and the communities. We asked President Hoff to serve as the campaign’s public spokesperson. In May he replied “yes.” In November we reminded him of his “yes” and asked him to provide a student assistant to the campus Sustainability Officer to allow him to start an energy conservation campaign. President Hoff responded praising the work of the campus energy conservation committee, but without answering the question as to whether he would become public spokesperson for an energy campaign.

What happened since last May? The Board of Trustees added a surcharge to student tuition to cover increased energy costs. Did anyone consider that, given opportunity and leadership, students might prefer an energy conservation program, rather than increased fees?

An energy-saving program involving the whole campus community would benefit all. It would save money, be environmentally beneficial, set an example for UMaine students, and let Mainers know that we care about the costs and environmental impacts of campus energy use. And it would respond to a study solicited by Sens. Susan Collins and Chuck Schumer last year that emphasized the need to reduce energy consumption and diversify energy supplies. Senator Collins said we especially needed such actions at a time when America’s energy system infrastructure is so vulnerable to attack. She said, “We must pursue those goals without delay.”

When we discussed Sen. Collins’ study with UMaine students, they responded “Let’s lead by example. This is, after all, Maine’s Flagship University.” “Let the campus be the (energy-conservation) model.” “This would be a great marketing tool to attract students to UMaine!”

Students are interested in energy conservation, but they need leadership. And students need to know that this is a problem they can begin to solve themselves, perhaps avoiding tuition surcharges. Let’s “pursue these goals without delay.”

Marquita Hill chairs the UMaine Sustainability Coalition, an informal group of students, faculty, and staff that promotes campus environmental excellence. She is also a professor in the university’s Department of Chemical Engineering.