When it comes to the outdoors I am a real fanatic. I�ve been fortunate enough to enjoy the trills of whitewater kayaking, mountain climbing, and hiking trough the South American rainforest. But, environmentally I am no ecological saint. Like everybody else, I leave an ecological footprint upon this planet that somebody else will have to deal with. Therefore, my love for the environment disagrees with the irresponsibility my standard of living causes. I want my children to enjoy an equally rich and vibrant planet. I believe that both recycling and correct disposals of hazardous wastes are ways of upholding my environmental duties; but how effective are my efforts if the society surrounding me doesn�t cooperate and put them to use?

Recycling works. Coming from Europe, I know that recycling is very effective when practiced by a lot of people. Not only does it reduce landfill and incineration costs, it also makes new resources available for different economic uses. In Germany the recycling of more than 90% of all metals and glass and 80% of all paper and plastics creates cheaper and more readily available resources, thus creating new jobs and an overall stronger and more stable economy. Imagine my surprise when I came to the States and couldn�t find a recycling bin anywhere. Texas is a great place, but its expectation of constant surplus has led its citizens to believe that resource depletion and pollution are not serious threats. There seems to be a level of anti-intellectualism that inhibits environmental initiative for fear of economic setbacks. Yet in reality, solutions to these problems would in no way jeopardize economic development; in fact, more efficient use of resources would guarantee a better quality of life for a longer period of time.

Academically, SMU doesn�t seem to fall prey to such ecological illiteracy, but the student body clearly expresses signs of environmental neglect. In the last few years, SMU has started new environmentally orientated programs: Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, and Environmental Law. Also, the money made by recycling white office paper and aluminum cans has helped campus beautification acquire new plants and install an effective sprinkler system that cuts down on water usage and labor costs. Alas, there seems to be little environmental concern within the student body. The low student participation in recycling programs and the contamination of many bins across campus indicates that SMU is not ready to recycle five or six different categories like they do at other schools. Therefore, new student environmental awareness is clearly needed, if we want to minimize the ecological footprint our campus embeds upon this planet.

We at the Environmental Society promote recycling because it helps campus beautification and conserves our natural world for future generations to enjoy. With an undergraduate body close to 10,000 students we can make a significant regional impact. 80% of what goes to municipal solid waste in theory could be recycled. With the Omnibus Bill, Texas mandated that 40% of all municipal solid waste had to be recycled by 1994. This goal has not been met yet, although it is possible. If this truly is a time to lead, why isn�t it SMU�s priority to meet Texas� recycling mandate? I know that change is slow and not always easy, but it would be a great start if our student body could make a minimal effort to throw our aluminum cans and white paper in appropriate recycling bins. It�s only through a collective effort that we, little by little, can make effective changes benefiting Texas� vast ecological diversity, the welfare of our children and also our economic needs. Our goal is not to deprive ourselves of "humanity", but our goal is to see that humanity remains in harmony with all that we so desperately depend upon.

If you, or an organization you belong to, would like to get involved with any environmental activities, your contribution and ideas are very welcome. You can contact me at (214) 768-6314 or visit our web-site at http://www.smu.edu/~awma/awma.htm