Nov 6, 2007 8:00 AM

Sound Bites

What steps have you taken to conserve energy, recycle and contribute to a better environment at UCLA and beyond?

Diane Bentley, senior project manager, Communications Technology Services

I've been a recycler of paper, glass, metal and plastic for many years, at home and at work. I've also been a UCLA vanpool rider for several years. I recently began using reusable mesh bags at the supermarket instead of paper or plastic. I have also replaced some of the light bulbs in my home with energy-efficient bulbs. I take batteries, discarded electronic devices and hazardous waste items to my municipal recycling center. I know that there is more that I can do to help the environment, and I am committed to the cause.

Stacey Beggs, assistant director, Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics (IPAM)

IPAM hosts a lot of receptions, so I worked with the UCLA recycling coordinator to get temporary recycling containers for these events; we have recycled hundreds of bottles and cans that otherwise would have ended up in a landfill. I also bought the Kerckhoff refillable mugs for my staff (who buy their coffee there almost daily). I keep my own set of reusable utensils, a cup and a cloth napkin in my office to limit the trash I produce each day. I reuse office paper as much as possible for printing drafts of reports and memos.

Jenny Jay, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering

I bike to work, five miles each way. And I'm vegetarian, which is good for the environment, because there's much less demand for land, water and other resources. Professionally, my lab is looking at arsenic contamination of groundwater in Bangladesh. We're also tracking the mercury cycle in wetlands systems — how it comes into an environment in one form and becomes more toxic. We also study beach pollution. To me, this is my life's calling. Ever since I was little, I knew I wanted to be an environmental scientist. I would go into the woods and collect specimens.

Adam Vossler, 3rd-year political science student

I do my part to understand what's going on. I took a class in global environment and global politics. There are scientific facts on global warming and glacial decay that tell us if we don't cut our carbon emissions in half, the global environment is going to be trashed. I'm concerned. We set up a recycling bin at our house. I'm more aware of waste; I turn off lights. I try not to waste water — I don't do a lot of laundry, but some may just call me lazy. I try to walk instead of driving places.

Tom Trappler, director of UCLA Software Licensing

Software Central has been doing a couple of things to try to reduce campus waste. Historically, computer software has been distributed on CDs. When a new version comes out, a new set of disks is sent, eventually making the old set of disks obsolete. We've been trying to influence software vendors to move toward an electronic distribution model where no disks are involved. Since this may take years, I meanwhile found a place to recycle disks from UCLA for free. The reclaimed plastic from the recycling is used for automotive parts and building materials. Find information about recycling your old CDs and DVDs at this Web site or call (310) 206-4780.

---

Answer our next Sound Bites question: UCLA's FITWELL program is promoting healthy activity and lifestyle choices. What are you doing to stay fit and healthy? Use the form below to e-mail your response by Nov. 13.

* Required fields

Name

Full Name * E-mail Phone

Job Title Department

Message

My Response

1