The environment affects everybody and each person has their own ideas on how to make the world a better place. Student organizations are no different as each contributes its unique ideas to help reduce pollution and create a greener earth.
Alpha Chi Omega has put their focus on recycling and box tops. These programs were implemented in January when Haley Fountain was elected as VP Facility Operations. With the girls’ help, the idea of putting recycle bins in the kitchen was put into practice. As for the box tops, Fountain felt it would be a good idea and sent out jars to the girls to be filled.
“I feel that the chapter has been positively affected by these changes,” Fountain said. “Lately the recycling bin has been overflowing while we have less and less trash each week. It’s great to see the girls taking it so seriously and hopefully they are doing the same when they go home.”
The chapter is still looking for ways to continue to help out more. Soda can tab collecting is planned to be implemented next semester. These will be donated to elementary schools in the area to help raise money for the schools.
The Energy and Environmental Law Society(EELS) is more focused on learning about policies and concerns about the environment.
“Informing people has always been one of the primary goals of EELS,” said Taylor Kilroy, president of the society. “It’s impossible to make good policy recommendations without a firm grasp on the facts of the issue.”
The organization has helped with tree planting in the past and they have had speakers come, such as Tony Essalih, a government affairs specialist. Essalih visited EELS to speak to them about President Obama’s re-election and what his energy and environmental policies will be.
“Last month, we hosted a climate change debate, which helped our members cut through the posturing that we hear from politicians and the media,” Kilroy said. “We were able to hear the facts from real experts who have studied climate change for decades.”
Alpha Lambda Omega Christian Sorority, Inc. uses their acronym S.E.E.D.S. to describe how they focus on helping the environment. S.E.E.D.S. stands for sisterhood, education, evangelism, discipleship and service.
“We participate in monthly service projects that aid in helping the community,” said LaQuitia Thomas, Chapter Historian. “From volunteering at the Houston Food Bank to helping other Greeks on campus. Our chapter, Pi Nehemiah, hopes to show the true love of Christ by serving others in all that we do.”
There are organizations at UH that are looking for ideas of how to be more involved. The Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists, AEG, has just gotten started and is open to any suggestions.
The environment is a focus for many organizations here on campus. They each create its own way to be aware of their actions and how they may be affecting the world around them.
