Ateneo de Manila University: An Advocate of the Environment
The Ateneo de Manila University has always been an advocate for environmental protection as can be seen from the wide-open spaces and limited number of air-conditioned rooms on-campus. They have also been implementing a waste segregation system, so both student and faculty will be trained to throw recyclables in one trash bin and non-recyclables in another.
Also, the Clean as You Go (CLAYGO) system was implemented in school cafeterias to ensure Ateneans had the discipline and courtesy to clean their tables, so that they can be readily used by others. Last school year 2008-2009, a new rule was implemented on-campus, in favor of ADMU’s support for the environment.
The Continued Green Revolution
In conjunction with the CLAYGO system a new system called Bring Your Own Baunan (BYOB) was implemented by the school administration with the help of the Student Council and the Environmental Science Society.
The premise of the BYOB is as follows:
• Cafeteria concessionaires will no longer be allowed to use any Styrofoam products in packaging their food. Instead, only paper products will be allowed.
• Concessionaires will also be provided with plastic plates, and metal spoon and forks, which students who dine-in the cafeteria or in nearby eating areas will use. Thus, the amount of trash will be lessened significantly
• Furthermore, students, faculty, and staff now have the option of bringing their own food containers such as reusable Tupperware. When they provide their own containers, they will receive a discount from any food concessionaire they buy from.
• Thus, not only will the amount of trash be reduced, but Ateneans will learn the value of reusing food containers as well.
On the other hand, students and teachers seem to disagree as to whether Styrofoam or paper is a bigger environmental hazard, and others also complain of the inconvenience that the BYOB system brings.
After all, you cannot take-out food unless you bring your own container. Also, the supposed discount is nullified by some concessionaires who just raised their prices in response to the project.
Nevertheless, the project was a success overall, and is a sign of the efforts the Ateneo de Manila University is making in its green revolution.
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