Humans have a tremendous impact on the environment through simple use of resources, particularly if we look at the equation from cradle to grave. Much resource use results in solid waste, either as a byproduct or an end result. Solid waste creates a significant environmental problem on many levels. It often signifies inefficient use of resources (e.g. excessive packaging), it contributes to land use issues (e.g. landfills) and it can initiate pollution in other mediums such as air and water (e.g. incineration or leachate from landfills). We have a mounting problem with solid waste management in our society and world. The traditional disposal options all do damage to the environment, and they are becoming increasingly costly from a strictly economic perspective.

In an effort to deal effectively and responsibly with the solid-waste issue, we need to view it holistically. That is, we need to look at levels of consumption, use and alternative methods of disposal, or, more appropriately, reclamation. The preferred order of priority when dealing with solid waste management is "reduce, reuse, recycle" in that order. Responsible environmental citizenship of the planet demands a reduction in disposable and unnecessary consumption.

The concept is simple, appeals to common sense and it works.

At Bates, there is much we can do to insure that our contribution to this facet of environmental issues is proactive, positive and sustainable. As a college, we have the opportunity to decrease our contribution to the solid waste overflow by rethinking some of our internal systems.

We have focused much energy the past few years on increasing the amount that is recycled (***highlighted to link to the recycling layer of this page) on campus, but to truly affect change we need to begin at the source. We need to focus more on reducing our consumption. For instance, while it may be an excellent idea to compost our food waste in Dining Services, it is far better not to have wasted the food in the first place. The same goes for plastic or any other waste. We could reduce pollution levels and resource extraction if we simply demanded less or only use that which we need.