Going green seems to be a fad that isn’t going away soon, and the Bakersfield College SGA is trying to improve the environment and the campus by placing recycling bins at various locations on campus.
While the recycling bins are not here yet, when they do get here, they will be put to good use. According to SGA President Lyne Mugema, student government has ordered 10 bins. Half of the bins are for paper, and the other half for plastic. Mugema felt that since most college students have a lot of paper, bottles and class papers, these items would be the candidates for recycling.
When the bins do get here, they will be placed in different “heavy traffic” locations. Mugema said that the bins would not go in specific classrooms but in “public use locations” like outside of the Humanities and Language Arts buildings. Each location would have two bins, one for paper and one for plastic.
SGA has already worked out details with BC Maintenance Manager Keith Keevil. The bins will be emptied by maintenance into other recycling sites on campus and will become part of their daily routine.
Mugema feels the bins will be put to good use. “Students have said they would like to recycle if they had a place to do it,” said Mugema.
“I know if I had an avenue I personally would recycle,” said Mychael Phillips, 22. “I hope that the student body would share that desire with me.”
The SGA also tries to set an example by using only recycled stationary and having recycling bins in their office. “SGA makes it a point to carpool,” said Mugema,
As for the future, Mugema said that next semester would have more improvements, too. One thing to look out for next semester is Spring Fling with more green influences.
About the rumor of solar panels, Mugema had this to say, “It’s something the SGA would love to see done. but because of the budget, it’s not something we expect to see happen soon.” Mugema estimated the cost of solar panels to be $36 million.
Mugema also mentioned that the Geology Club is doing green things around campus. “I think they’re doing a fantastic job,” said Mugema. She also said that members of the faculty have been doing a great job being green.
“I think the attitude of the campus is to go green,” said Mugema.