Through initiatives like the Campus Climate Challenge and MTV’s Break the Addiction, Texas colleges and universities have become leaders for conservation. And in their efforts to live more consciously, Texas students have challenged the stereotype of cowboy-sized appetites and joined wholeheartedly in the global, green movement.

Many of the larger, state schools include academic programs for environmental disciplines, such as environmental engineering or environmental science. However, the schools that embody the movement carry their efforts beyond the classroom to impact the greater community. Their efforts give insight into their hometown and hint at Texas’ efforts to join the environmental bandwagon.

In Houston, Rice University heralds over a decade of environmental commitment. Enviro-Web, an appendage of the school’s primary website is specially designed to provide fast, user-friendly information on the environment. It details the efforts of the school’s Center for the Study of Environment and Society. Rice instituted the center in 2001, but the desire for environmental stewardship on campus began much earlier. In 1995 the university began a conscious effort to document its energy uses and surveyed students about offering a major in environmental studies. By 1997-1998, Rice had established four specified majors: environmental policy, science, studies, and engineering.

The president of the student Environmental Club is also a member of the center’s committee, a testament to the integral role students have in the campus’ ecological studies. Student interest drives the course selection, speaker presentations and environmental reading groups, and bridges the gap between book study and community awareness. For example, Rice holds a farmers market every Tuesday afternoon from 3:30-7:00 p.m., where local vendors benefit from the student population and prime location. The market also gives Houston school children the opportunity to work in a garden and directly learn the message of conservation. Rice also launched initiatives such as the yellow bikes program, which provides bikes for easy and efficient transportation around campus. Since 1997 the university began installing compact fluorescent light bulbs, using mowers that mulch clipped grass and collecting students’ unneeded items for Goodwill. The Environmental Club also runs an organic garden on campus that provides food that is donated to a local women and children’s shelter. The school even offers environmentally geared internships, study abroad options and career advice for its students.

The University of Texas implements similar efforts on a larger scale from its Austin and Galveston campuses. The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston especially embodies the “reduce, reuse, recycle” mentality. Annually, the 90 campus buildings recycle 800 tons of paper and cardboard. They also recycle chemicals, metals, paint, kitchen grease, and X-ray film. An online swap shop displays items that the hospital no longer needs, so that their excess may benefit other members of the university community.

Recycling efforts that began in the early 1990s with UTMB volunteers now require the commitment of a full-time recycling company. The university’s joint composting project with the city and Moody Gardens earned a grant from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. UTMB views its role as the largest employer in Galveston as an integral part of its environmental stewardship. Before recycling, it locks and shreds all paper documents to protect patient privacy. It also utilizes solar panels and lighting retrofits to increase its buildings’ energy efficiency. And, finally, a university ID or proof of an appointment grants the individual a free ride on a public bus or trolley.

UT’s main campus in Austin reflects the city’s strong environmental reputation. The Campus Environmental Center includes campus gardens, recycling, speakers and festivals, and offers conservation education for the local community. UT built its first green building as a result of the Environmental Center and its students’ influence. For example, the “Bleed Orange, Think Green” pledge commits students to reduce their environmental footprint. The Center welcomes all members of the UT community and circulates a monthly newsletter with tips on green living.

At UT, environmentalism even extends into the average student living experience with EcoReps. These student representatives participate in weekly meetings to learn about environmental information and enjoy the community of other motivated individuals. They then share their experience with other students in their dorms and suggest easy ways to conserve.

The Campus Environmental Center’s website offers volunteer and leadership opportunities, tips for green living and updates on projects all geared to sustainability. The Student Energy Task Force reports and tries to reduce the campus’ energy demands, while the Sustainable Food Committee works with the on-campus dining services to offer more local and fair trade options. UT’s Green Horns offer green tips for the staff and faculty, while the Green Living section targets students. And in 2005, UT even participated in the Solar Decathalon competition for green design by building a solar-powered, sustainable house.

Just outside of Dallas, Southern Methodist University (SMU) gained national attention when its green efforts received a 1,000 dollar prize from MTV in 2007. The “Break the Addiction Challenge” was MTV’s way of motivating college students to join in the efforts to stop global warming and impact change in their local communities. Along with four other winners, SMU rallied support, gained media attention, and reduced the university’s consumption.

First, SMU petitioned the school leaders and student body to join the EPA Green Power Partnership. In this alliance, the campus pledged to meet at least three percent of its energy demands with alternative, renewable sources. SMU also hosted a hybrid car show, joined the Clean Energy Coalition and created Students for a Sustainable Future.

The Embrey Engineering Building exemplifies the students’ initiative. Completed in 2006, this facility is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified at the gold level, meaning that it operates with a very high degree of efficiency. The building stands as a testament to inventive ways to reduce even though its exterior blends in with SMU’s red brick community. On the inside, Embrey stands apart; it utilizes natural light, waterless urinals (saving 40,000 gallons annually), and reuses water (from sinks, appliances, etc.) to water the grounds. The school even tinted this recycled water aquamarine to increase student awareness of the conservation cycle.

LEED buildings generally cost three percent more than a traditional facility, but over time their efficiencies will more than pay for this price difference. For example, Embrey will save SMU 30 percent on its energy and water costs compared to a traditional building. SMU has received national attention and a cash award for this innovative example of sustainability and efficiency.

The green efforts cropping up around colleges and universities in Texas and the rest of the U.S. bode well for the nation’s future. As these schools impart knowledge about sustainable choices and motivate students to invent renewable designs, they will better equip new leaders with the necessary tools to address the pressing climate concerns.