With the stroke of a pen Finger Lakes Community College joined the growing number of schools that are "going green". “Finger Lakes Community College has a long tradition of dedication to preserving the environment,” said FLCC President Barbara Risser. On Wednesday Dr, Risser signed a comprehensive pledge to reduce the schools carbon footprint. The pledge involves increasing efforts to reduce its energy costs and increase recycling. “On a much broader scale we're looking at institutional purchasing policies and making some changes in that so were looking for recycled material in the things that we buy energy star products is a requirement instead of the cheapest thing that’s out there because in the long run were saving energy and money,” said Dr. Risser. Students were also encouraged to participate by signing a sustainability pledge. The students signed an online pledge as part of a commitment to reducing use of paper. “One of the steps that we're taking is really looking hard at our paper usage. It sounds like a small thing but colleges use a tremendous amount of paper and we're sending out little tips everyday a tip about something you can do right now to make a difference in the amount of paper that we use, “said Dr. Risser. “I think its fantastic. We’re a college and this is the 21st century,” said student Wes Comstock. Comstock was one of the students who signed the pledge. He says for him "going green" is more than a slogan. “For example I bought a diesel vehicle, a Volkswagen Jetta with a diesel engine in it. I'm going to convert to vegetable oil so I won't be using petroleum,” said Comstock. With a lot of talk about "going green" and "carbon footprints" some question whether pledges like this can really make a difference. Dr Risser believes every little bit can make a difference. “That’s a very important question because just talking about it is not what were trying to do here what we looking to do is change day to day habits,” said Dr. Risser.
