SGA announces environmentally conscious initiatives

Based on feedback from Salve Regina’s student body, the Student Government Association’s environmental committee has announced several student-driven initiatives for the current academic year.

“There are a lot of environmentally conscious clubs on campus,” said Victoria Johnson ’19, chairwoman of the environmental committee. “This was a great opportunity to unite the clubs under one umbrella and work together with faculty and staff.”

In an effort to reduce plastic consumption on campus, the committee is installing Brita water filter faucet systems in seven sophomore residence halls, including Founders Hall, Wallace Hall, William Watts Sherman House and the Young Building. If this pilot program proves successful, it could eventually be expanded to include junior/senior residence halls and on-campus apartments.

Another initiative is a paper towel reduction campaign, which consists of posters being placed in campus bathrooms in which paper towels are found, such as McKillop Library, Rodgers Recreation Center and Wakehurst. The posters include graphics and statistics encouraging students to reduce waste.

In the future, Johnson said, SGA is aiming to place more recycling bins on campus and raise awareness of how to properly recycle. The environmental committee is also exploring new ways to reduce waste in the Miley cafeteria, such as the addition of compost bins.

SGA solicits student feedback through survey boxes placed at different events throughout the academic year. Students are also encouraged to submit feedback and concerns to their SGA senator, or stop by the SGA office located on the second floor of Wakehurst.