Alpha Tau Omega fraternity is going green

In recent years, concern has grown throughout the world in regards to the state of the environment.

As global warming and other environmental issues are heavily debated in the media and political world, they are also pondered by consumers as more environmentally friendly products become available for purchase.

Last month, the University's chapter of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity decided to take advantage of some of these products and "go green," making them the first ATO chapter to pledge to do so.

Two weeks ago, ATO purchased all environmentally friendly products and has engaged in an active recycling routine.

ATO member Mason Overstreet, a sophomore majoring in environmental studies and pre-law, came up with the idea to go green after an environmental conference in early November. At the conference, Overstreet found out about available home products available that are environmentally friendly and would effectively replace widely used products such as Styrofoam, a material Overstreet said never bio-degrades, leaches dangerous toxins and contaminates rivers and streams.

A few days after the conference, Overstreet made fliers for the idea and brought it before the chapter for a vote that passed by an overwhelming number.

"It was a big deal, and the entire chapter was really supportive," Overstreet said.

The only opposition to the change came from those concerned about the price increase, he said. It was originally thought the change would make a $20 monthly increase in dues necessary. Since then, the chapter has found extra funds to cover the difference.

However, Overstreet said he would still like to cut the cost as much as possible.

Currently, many of the green products they are purchasing are from a smaller mom-and-pop company, he said.

"I would like to keep supporting them, but we definitely need to knock the costs down," Overstreet said. "The benefits outweigh the cost to me, though."

Overstreet said the kitchen staff has also been supportive and has done all they can to ensure the change goes smoothly by ordering biodegradable cups, plates, silverware, straws, bowls and recycled paper napkins. Overstreet said these products are actually a lot better in quality than the old products.

The head of the kitchen staff, who the members call Mama Gracie, called the three main distributors ATO uses and told them if they wanted ATO's continued business they needed to offer as many green products as possible.

Gracie said she has also required the salesmen that visit the chapter to come with proof that their companies sell green products.

"I'm proud of Mason, and I'm doing everything I can to help support him," she said. "Everything seems that it's going to work out all right."

Overstreet said he has also talked to friends in other fraternities about bringing the idea before their chapters as well. He said he couldn't comment on how this was progressing but was crossing his fingers that it goes through.

In the future, the chapter plans to purchase energy efficient washers and dryers and is currently switching all of the light bulbs in the house to energy efficient bulbs.

Overstreet said he hopes to continue to lower the costs of the project and to see greek and non-greek organizations follow suit in making the change.

"I think everybody in this chapter liked the fact that it was so easy to set up, and they're really starting to see the effects of it now," Overstreet said. "It's good for me to see change that usually people think would be hard. It would be great to see other organizations follow."