Students are able to compost on campus.
When Hallie Schmidt, vocal performance sophomore, first came to OCU from Washington, the absence of a composting program shocked her. So she started her own.
“I grew up composting,” Schmidt said. “Washington, as a whole, is very focused on the environment.”
The program began when Schmidt contacted biology professors Dr. Adam Ryburn and Dr. Anthony Stancampiano.
A bin was set up in the community garden behind Oklahoma Children’s Theater with hopes of adding more in the future.
Past efforts to increase eco-friendliness on campus have happened through different programs like the newly-purchased recycling bins that will go in Methodist Hall during Thanksgiving Break.
Schmidt said the lack of success in other programs was concerning.
“We are trying to create a work study position through the biology department,” she said.
Maintenance of the compost bins includes turning the compost and adding it back into the garden.
Schmidt and McAlyn Forbes, acting junior, are speaking with dining services about a potential partnership.
Tessa Neeno, music freshman, said wasting food is irresponsible.
“It’s disheartening to see food waste,” she said.
One of the biggest challenges is generating interest, Schmidt said. Because the campus community is so busy, it can be difficult for students to find time to participate, she said.
Nadjalie Santos, vocal performance freshman, said she would support the program even if she couldn’t participate.
“If I personally couldn’t partake in actually helping it, I would support it from a distance,” Santos said.
For more information or to get involved, email Schmidt at hschmidt@my.okcu.edu.
Editor’s note: McAlyn Forbes is a staff writer for Student Publications. She did not participate in writing or editing this story.
Watch a video over composting here.
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