By Emanuel Alvarez –

NJCU is taking steps to create a greener campus. However, there has been much controversy surrounding its effectiveness and employability.

“A few years ago, most of our offices received the blue containers so that we can start separating trash from recyclables. Prior to that, we threw away all our trash in common waste bins. The staff and I were really excited and even had the student body participating and separating the paper, plastic, and glass in the proper recycling bins,” said Frecia Tapia, Assistant to the Dean of the College of Education.

“The staff and I noticed that the custodians combined all the separated recyclables and trash into one collection bin. I asked the custodial staff if they eventually re-sort the materials and they said no. I know we recycle cardboard and paper at NJCU, but as for the rest of the materials, the staff and I are not sure and it does bother us,” said Tapia.

Pamela Finley, Senior Building Maintenance Worker from Jersey City admits, “I find myself often having to separate the recyclables from the regular trash in the buildings I work in. I know we divvy up what we collect into three areas: paper, cardboard, and just trash. What happens after it leaves our hands or where it goes I’m not sure to be frank with you.”

Resident at Co-Op dormitories Miracleá Adams, 19, undecided, from North Brunswick said, “Out of the three floors and the basement there is only one recycling bin at the front entrance. I’m not aware of NJCU’s recycling policy and it would bother me a lot if they weren’t [recycling] and were just wasting my time.”

Jennifer Vazquez, 21, BFA painting and drawing major, Jersey City, said, “I noticed blue recycling bins were being misused, and in some cases made unavailable to students or stacked in custodial closets. After speaking with Ms. Tapia, who made me aware of just how big this problem was, we formed the Environmental Club to fix these issues and improve our green policy.”

Vazquez said, “In the summer of 2010, we set up a meeting with the Facilities and Construction Management associate, Andrew Christ, to address the lack of proper recycling on campus and to develop solutions to correct NJCU’s flawed policy. I learned that Mr. Christ recently inherited the recycling issue, but he is committed to reform, and assured me these issues would be resolved by fall 2012.”

According to Christ, NJCU has begun using “green” cleaning products; it has replaced lighting with 90% more efficient LED bulbs, and is currently using recycled toilet paper and paper towels.

In addition, the construction of the West Campus building will meet nationally certified “green” standards and $30 million has been allocated to modernize campus operations and reduce energy use.

In regards to the recycling issue, Christ explained that NJCU has adopted single stream recycling, which allows all recyclables to be collected in one container and sorted at the waste hauler’s off-campus facility.

Christ said, “This increases the amount of material recycled and reduces the amount of waste removed to landfills.”

“Staff training is taking place, and additional containers will be distributed in key locations on campus to promote its effectiveness. I know our caring and dedicated staff is up to the task,” says Christ.

How important student participation is at NJCU, Christ said, “Student involvement is critical; we must be partners in the process. I am hopeful that we can develop some student advocates. I encourage students to become activists in the environmental movement, not just here on campus, but elsewhere. Protecting the environment is critical to our future and everyone can do their small part.”