SGA senators are preparing to introduce two new pieces of legislation aimed at making Ball State more environmentally friendly, according to a press release.
Quintin Thompson and Claire Atkinson, secretary of the On-Campus caucus, authored the legislation to reduce the University’s carbon footprint.
One of the biggest changes being proposed is the phasing out of the disposable plastic bags that are used in dining halls around campus.
“Plastic bags are one such thing that can be ended to significantly decrease the harms of our waste,” the authors wrote in the bill. “While disposable plastic bags are not the heaviest refuge that is produced, it is one of the most damaging to the health of wildlife.”
The bill calls for Ball State Dining to begin a transition from plastic bags to reusable bags, and eventually eliminate plastic bags all together.
Authors of the bill cite environmental groups that say the accumulation of plastic is damaging the environment every day.
Currently, Ball State is a leader in sustainability among universities in the surrounding areas, according to the bill.
Ball State’s strategic plan states that efforts will be made to “continue to position the university as a steward of the environment.”
Thompson and Atkinson also authored legislation to create a “BSU Green Fund.”
The “fund” is described as a “financial device dedicated to fund sustainability projects.”
If passed, Ball State’s green fund would be one of 232 other green funds at universities across the country.
The fund will be supported by donations from students, faculty, staff and outside donations. Students would have the option to be charged 50 cents per semester or to opt-out of the charge.
Employees would also have the option to contribute $1 per pay period, and gifts without specific provisions could be donated to the “green fund.”
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