| UMPI Moves Toward an Environmentally Friendly Campus |
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| Written by Cassandra Gildert | |
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Many colleges throughout Maine have already taken positive steps
towards an environmentally friendly planet, and now UMPI is hopping on board.
Several individuals at UMPI have put together a committee that will focus on
ways to save energy and contribute to this important cause. The Green Campus committee evolved from an earlier committee that dealt with pesticide awareness. According to chairman of the committee, Allen Salo, the group is attempting to "morph" into this new committee. "We are currently in the early stages, working on an exact mission and goal statement for the committee," said Salo. The new committee is raising awareness of this very important cause, trying to educate others on this issue. Salo says the committee looks forward to working with students as well. The environment is an issue concerning many people, but some may not be aware of what exactly they can do. Green Campus can help educate those people of ways they can make a big difference. There are many alternatives to the energy we have grown used to. The alternatives can contribute to a cleaner environment and healthier population. One energy saver is Bio Energy. According to the Maine Energy Investment Corporation, instead of using heating oil or petroleum, energy can come from substances found in plants or other microorganisms. This kind of energy can be used to heat homes and as a petroleum replacement. Some of these types of fuel replacements can be manufactured locally, so our country could be less dependant on other countries for fossil fuel to run automobiles or heat homes. Another option for heating homes is through solar energy. This works by using special insulation or by placing a house in a certain position. This type of energy can also be used to generate electricity. These energy sources are renewable, unlike the fossil fuel we acquire from the Middle East. Bio Energy sources are increasingly becoming more available. Many University of Maine colleges are already part of this movement. The new committee formed at UMPI has plans to follow. According to Salo, they are already developing websites with information. "These websites can be a great resource for students," added Salo. The new group is interested in getting students involved and will soon be taking suggestions from students. UMPI is actively becoming a part Green Campus, and students should be on the lookout for new information concerning these issues. |
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