Interested in Getting Involved?

The University of Maine is a proudly green campus. Efforts are made by student organizations (see more below) and the administration to reduce our negative impact on the environment. The biodegradable food service products that I mentioned in my last post are a huge step in the right direction. Think of all the trash that we would otherwise be clearing from our trays and throwing straight into landfills. Beyond Black Bear Dining and the contributions to environmental sustainability that have already been made, two student organizations in particular are trying to make things even better.


Progressive Students Alliance:
The PSA is an interesting group, in that they cover a lot of ground with their affiliates. The group seems to integrate environmental and world peace issues, and lobby to improve the conditions of both. They have worked on-campus to make various institutions more environmentally friendly. In fact, they were behind the biodegradable products that I've told you so much about. Now, they're working to get Fair Trade Coffee in dining locations. Follow this link to find out a little more about Fair Trade. In addition to that, the PSA has an ongoing campaign for Take Back the Tap, which seeks to eliminate bottled water on college campuses (it's already been done by Washington State University) in order to support local water supply and reduce plastic bottle waste. The group meets at 4 o'clock on Wednesday afternoons. Their next meeting will be held on April 1, in the Bumps Room of the Memorial Union. Whether or not you join, sitting in on a meeting or two would help you to become more aware of the environmental programs currently in effect.

Green Campus Initiative:
This organization, whose mission statement reads,

"…to develop a broad based, student lead effort towards environmental awareness and stewardship, by promoting sustainable relationships between in Ecological, Economical and Societal systems on campus in the local communities,"

is the group responsible for sponsoring various projects around campus to improve the aesthetics of the outdoors, especially. The GCI is responsible for collecting the recycling inside dorms and, according to the group's website, the project is continually being expanded and improved. The group also sponsors the BAT bus, which transports students all around the Bangor/Brewer area for free. Though the website doesn't seem to be updated regular, it provides information about the GCI's past projects, as well as contact information.




There are always ways to get involved with projects on-campus, and helping make the school greener is a great cause with which to help out and contribute your ideas and energy. Contact the appropriate group for more information.