Texas State Talks Environment

SAN MARCOS, TEXAS- A survey conducted yesterday showed that Texas State students and faculty have the environment and sustainability on their minds. Many students were concerned about lessening their carbon footprint while even those not greatly concerned said they are “environmentally friendly” when it is convenient. The majority of students said that they have discussed the environment and sustainability in at least one of their classes this year.

Of the students interviewed, many felt that protecting the environment was of top priority. French major Tammy Erwin said she rides her bike everywhere in order to reduce pollution. Erwin recycles in order to use fewer resources in the hope that one day recycling will be cheaper.

Stephanie Pridgen was among those who have not discussed sustainability in her classes, but claims the environment is “a mid-level priority”. “I recycle because if we reuse, then we don’t have to create and we lessen our carbon footprint," said Pridgen when asked if she does anything she considers "environmentally friendly".

“It’s shocking and scary how much trash there is and it’ll be there for thousands and thousands of years,” said national business major Adeline Fresch. Fresch expressed a deep concern for the environment and said she recycles as well as rides the bus to and from her apartment.

Freshman and Animal Science major Abrie Dahl agreed that landfills do not have much space. Dahl reuses water bottles and recycles old notes to cut down on waste and produce less trash.

Environmental Topics professor Audrey Mckinney said she is very concerned about the environment as well. Mckinney said she shops at farmers markets, rides the Austin tram, and recycles in an effort to save money while protecting the environment. She said she was not only concerned about the environment but for her personal health.

Russel Booth, a Philosophy and Finance double major, was among those who was less concerned with protecting the environment. Booth said it is unfortunate how much the topic is discussed in his classes. Booth claimed he is not greatly concerned about the environment because it does not affect him immediately, but he recycles on campus when it is convenient and rides the bus.