Whenever we meet with someone to talk about the policy, we give them a memo that describes what we are doing are why we think it is important. It also lists who we have spoken to and who supports us. The memo reads:

Introduction

The California Institute of Technology has great prominence and influence resulting from its scientific research and teaching. It is, therefore, highly appropriate for the Institute to acknowledge its leadership role, not just in science, but in the wise and conscientious application of science right here on campus. The Caltech Environmental Task Force (CETF) is proposing that this be done by adopting an official Institute policy on environmental responsibility. This would promote a higher degree of individual environmental responsibility on campus and would encourage the Institute to conduct all its internal operations in the spirit of our leadership role, in an environmentally responsible manner.

Objectives of an Environmental Policy

  • Increase campus awareness of the environmental impacts of all individual and institute activities.

  • Encourage personal accountability to achieve responsible environmental behavior.

  • Minimize solid waste through efficient and appropriate use of resources and increased recycling.

  • Maximize purchasing of recycled and low-impact products.

  • Reduce energy and water use.

  • Strive to conduct all activities in ways that are environmentally and economically responsible.

  • Work to achieve a healthy working and educational environment.

  • Encourage those who do business with the Institute to comply with these objectives.

    Campus Support

    CETF has been circulating a petition on campus and has so far collected about 150 signatures, including 22 faculty, 15 staff, and over 100 students. The petition states:

    We ask Caltech to confirm its commitment to minimizing its environmental impact by adopting an effective environmental policy.

    CETF has had meetings to discuss the proposed environmental policy with various people on campus from the administration, faculty, student body, and facilities including dining services, physical plant, housing, and business and auxiliary services. At these meetings we solicited their opinions about how such a policy would affect their specific responsibilities as well as how it could improve the Institute.

    Key Supporters of a Campus Environmental Policy

    Faculty

    • Janet Hering
    • Jim Morgan
    • Norman Brooks
    • Judy Cohen
    • Paul Wennberg

    Staff

    • Bill Irwin
    • Delmy Emerson
    • Tom Mannion
    • Martina Geitz
    • Linda Chappell
    • Jerry Burk
    • Reza Ohadi

    Student Groups

    • The Graduate Student Council
    • The Caltech Y

    Other Key People With Whom We Have Discussed our Ideas

    David Baltimore Chris Brennen Dave Stevenson