Saint Mary's is becoming more earth-friendly.

In an effort to bring the College up to speed with other colleges and universities, the campus' Environmental Coalition is making efforts to ensure that proper recycling procedures are used at Saint Mary's.

"Right now we are lagging behind other colleges," said Melissa McClure, a member of the Environmental Coalition.

Aluminum and paper recycling is currently offered at the College, but the Environmental Coalition does not believe these services are enough.

"Last year the college purchased huge pop machines that distribute plastic bottles," McClure said. "Sure, it's nice to have the convenience of having bottle that can be resealed, but the plastic bottles should not be sold if there is no place to recycle them."

The lack of glass and plastic recycling receptacles on campus is of concern to the group, which advocates that these materials should not be distributed on campus until arrangements are made to properly recycle them.

"Until plastic and glass receptacles are placed on campus, plastic and glass should not be distributed. Right now we are just contributing more to the already overflowing landfills," McClure said.

Some measures were taken last year to increase environmental awareness on campus.

"There was a petition sent out last year of whether to increase recycling," said Teresa Lorenz, president of the Environmental Coalition, Teresa Lorenz. "Over 300 signatures were collected so we saw there was a definite interest."

Lorenz said both students and faculty showed support this year to increase environmental action. Paper and aluminum receptacles are currently located in all the residence halls and some administration buildings, but Lorenz believes the college needs to expand by adopting glass and plastic recycling.

"As a Catholic college promoting Christian values, one would think there would be more environmental support," said Lorenz. "We need the support of the students and the college to provide momentum so we can increase our environmental action and progress," she added.

Lorenz will meet with the Board of Governance to discuss the issue further this week.

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