TERRE HAUTE — Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology’s bookstore has become one of the first college bookstores in the country to use recyclable shopping bags to replace plastic bags. The effort is part of Rose-Hulman’s efforts to support sustainability, according to Dan Wells, director of administrative services.
The change went into effect on Nov. 16, after each Rose-Hulman student, faculty and staff member received a complimentary shopping bag last week in campus mail.
“This move just seemed to make sense in many ways. The bags have been very popular with the campus community,” said Wells, whose operation oversees the Rose-Hulman bookstore. “Everyone is getting used to using recyclable bags. We’re just bringing that movement to the college bookstore arena and further drawing attention to the campus’ sustainability efforts.”
The recyclable shopping bags include advertising from several local businesses. Bennett & Hair General Contractors, Fifth Third Bank, Baesler’s Market, Pepsi and ARAMARK Dining Services.
Since 2007, Rose-Hulman has been part of the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment, a high-visibility effort to address global warming by garnering institutional commitments to neutralize greenhouse gas emissions, and to accelerate the research and educational efforts of higher education to equip society to re-stabilize Earth’s climate.
Rose-Hulman has created a comprehensive institutional action plan to move toward climate neutrality. Under the guidance and direction of the Leadership Circle of presidents, the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment is being supported and implemented by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, Second Nature, and ecoAmerica.
