Demographics story

WSU STAYS COMMITTED TO GOING GREEN
11-16-10
By: Lauren Madeja
Over the last couple of years, “going green” has been integrated into becoming a large part of American culture, and WSU is doing everything possible to keep up.
Last Wednesday, ASWSU senate approved a resolution to establish a “Cougar Green Fund”, which would be used for various sustainability projects across campus. The fund would be paid for by an optional $5 fee students can choose to pay at registration.
ASWSU senator Christina Turner was a big supporter of the new sustainability efforts in the senate meeting.
“We really want to be leaders of the green movement here at WSU, and this fund could open up so many possibilities for us,” Turner said.
Turner has been passionate about the environment for years, which is one of the reasons she ran for ASWSU senate.
“I really appreciate all the efforts WSU has already taken to become more sustainable, and I wanted to help make even more of a difference,” Turner said.
This green fund is in fact just one of the many things WSU has done to embrace green culture. Earlier this year the bike sharing program “Green Bikes” was introduced on campus, allowing students the opportunity to using biking, rather than driving, as a primary source of transportation. If expanded and utilized, this program will cut down on carbon emissions in Pullman not to mention supporting a healthier lifestyle for students.
WSU Wellbeing also recently launched their campus-wide “Set the Trend” campaign which encourages students to “Be Crimson. Go Green.” The program offers a variety of resources to students who are interested in contributing to a clean environment, including green consulting, eco-adventures, and environmental workshops.
WSU student, Nick Nordal, who participated in one of the Wellbeing eco-adventures was amazed by the experience.
“We hiked a trail picking up trash along the way and learning about the eco-systems in the area, and at the top we got to go mountain climbing,” Nordal said. “It was so cool to learn about where we were and help out the environment while still doing something fun.”
One of WSU’s biggest sustainability projects is the food and recycling program conducted by Dining Services. Dining services strives to use as many local and seasonal ingredients as possible, as well as products from sustainable suppliers. They have created several popular dishes based solely around ingredients produced from the Palouse, such as lentil chili and Palouse chocolate lentil cake. They use only local wheat and fresh produce, which not only cuts emissions from transportation, but also supports local farmers.
General Manager of the Hillside Café, Jeff Wold, is one of WSU’s greatest assets in the process of going green. Wold is responsible for establishing WSU’s relationship with the alliance of local sustainable farmers, Shepherd's Grain Flour and Legume, from which Dining Services gets all of their flour and other products.
“Sustainability is so important on such a large campus,” Wold said. “My goal is to teach these young minds the importance preserving the environment so they can go out in the world and do something about it.”
Wold is also responsible for first implementing the excellent recycling and composting system at the Hillside Café and leads training programs for students on how to recycle and compost foods properly.
WSU caught on quickly to the nation-wide “go green” phenomenon, and with new programs like the “Cougar Green Fund” constantly being implemented, the university should become a leader in sustainability.

Contacts: Christina Turner- (757)814-6972
Nick Nordal- (425) 283-9434
Jeff Wold- (509) 335-3561