GREEN INITIATIVES

Even before the ACSS was created, Gonzaga was home to some notable sustainable practices.

Water bottles: Sodexo, as part of a GSBA initiative, has ceased selling all bottled water in an attempt to cut down on plastic waste and excess water consumption. Though it has been the subject of some debate on campus, grounds keeping supervisor Tim Hatcher says of the initiative, "I've been keeping an eye on plastics this year, and the amount of waste is down."

Insect Control: Unlike many campuses, Hatcher says, Gonzaga does not spray its entire campus with insecticides. Instead, Hatcher does spot control; if he sees a problem, he takes care of it. The result: Gonzaga purchases approximately five gallons of insecticides (with trace amounts of volatile chemicals) for more than 120 acres.

Waste pick-up: Nearly all of Gonzaga's garbage pick-up has switched from trucks to smaller utility vehicles. These vehicles, meant only for campus transportation and not designed for street driving, have cut fuel consumption considerably, Hatcher says. The University also has more recycling receptacles than ever. Every building now has the capacity for paper and cardboard, aluminum and plastics and glass to be recycled.

Potholes: The patch kit Gonzaga's plant services now uses to patch potholes and cracks in the road has been switched to one with 40 percent recycled materials, and only 2 percent volatile chemicals. Though plant services only purchases 40-50 bags per year, the difference adds up, Hatcher says.

Leaves: Ever wondered where all the fallen leaves go after turning orange and gold and decorating campus? As part of a City of Spokane "Clean Green" program, Gonzaga has all of its leaves taken to a city-designated plant and turned into mulch.

Beyond the "green switch," Appel's soon-to-be AASHE students have been working on a number of projects to boost Gonzaga's "green" reputation.

Green Bike Program: The engineering department is implementing a program in which recycled bikes (painted bright green) could be rented to students for less than $50 per year, half of which the student would get back after deposit. The program already has a dozen bikes, and hopes to be up and running by the Spring.

Electric Vehicles: AASHE plans to explore ways to encourage the University's students and faculty to purchase EV's. One way it hopes to do this is through a free on-campus EV charging program in which the most desirable parking spaces on campus would double as charging stations for electric vehicles. This project is still highly preliminary.

Dining Hall Waste: Taking an example from Seattle University, AASHE hopes the University will begin converting its food waste into compost for campus usage. AASHE estimates that an automated composter of the size Gonzaga would need is commercially available for $10,000. AASHE students are also working with Sodexo to find a way to convert the COG's leftover fry oil (which does not get reused) into bio-diesel fuel. The next part of this project would be converting the campus's grounds equipment to burners of biodiesel fuel. These projects are still highly preliminary.

The Electric Harley: AASHE is beginning construction on converting a Harley Davidson motorcycle to become entirely electric. With a donation of a custom frame from Chris' Choppers, AASHE will attempt to create an electric motorcycle that can make it to Coeur d'Alene and back to Campus for only 6.5 cents at full highway speeds. The motorcycle will then be auctioned off and used to fund other projects.