In an attempt to encourage students to save energy and think a little more environmentally friendly, the UB Green offices are promoting their light bulb exchange program.
This opportunity to "think green" was introduced in the Fall semester of 2006, allowing students at the Ellicott Complex to trade in their usual incandescent light bulbs for brand-new compact fluorescent lamps (CFL's). This program is provided free of charge.
"One 20 watt CFL is equivalent to a 75-watt bulb. This translates into energy efficiency and cost efficiency," said Gary R. Soehner, Associate Director for Residential Student Services of the University Residence Halls and Apartments.
CFLs use approximately 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs. CFLs beat incandescent bulbs in another area having a life span of 7,500 to 15,000 hours compared to the 750 to 1,000 hours of incandescent light bulbs.
"Ellicott served as a pilot program. It was a test run. Students were responsive and agreed to take the free CFLs," Soehner said.
As the students have accepted the tradeoff of light bulbs, plans are now underway to bring the light bulb bartering program to the residents of halls of Governors, as well as the halls located on South Campus, in the fall of 2007 semester.
Overseeing the light bulb exchange program is a staff of eight Resident Hall Assistants called The Recycle Team. They contribute ten to fifteen hours a week toward programs of energy conservation and recycling.
According to Soehner, founder of the CFL program, energy conservation is not a new feat for the university. CFLs are already standard in all university dormitory floor lamps.
Soehner wished to credit the university for its long-standing dedication to environmentalism. The environmental programs at UB date back to the 70's. The Environmental Task Force took root in 1990. The year also marks the creation of the UB Green Office.
"The environmental programs also serve to create a public awareness. They show leadership in the environmental area," Soehner said.
Soehner applauded President Simpson's pledge on behalf of the university for "climate neutrality," attempting to decrease greenhouse emissions and combating the existent emissions. He accredits the success of environmental activism at UB in part to Walter Simpson, Chair of the Environmental Task Force in charge of the UB Green Office, for his unwavering dedication.
"Walter Simpson is the conscious of the university on environmental issues. He will leave this planet with the smallest environmental footprint of anyone I know," Soehner said.
Along with the light bulb trade program, the Environmental Task Force is currently working on other programs to help relieve global warming and other environmental tribulations.
The ETF will be holding programs at the conclusion of the semester. The "One Person's Trash Is Another Person's Treasure" program focuses upon the reuse of unwanted items including, but not limited to, kitchen appliances and furniture. These unwanted goods will be left at designated locations in Ellicott, Governors, and Main Street residences, where anyone can claim them.
The Book Recycling Program is being cosponsored by the URHA. Books can be dropped off in bins within the Community Centers and residence halls to be recycled or for reuse. For each donation a contribution will be made to the American Cancer Society.
The Battery Recycling Program accepts collections of batteries at every residence hall area office. Another program in effect will accept general donations of clothing and non-perishable food to be given to local charities.
Another way to be environmentally responsible involves the new placements of bicycle racks that are expected to encourage the use of alternate means of transportation.
"The bike racks will make students more likely to bring bikes to the university and the apartments," Soehner said, sparing the environment of car emissions.
