Opinion
 

Staff Editorial

                            Matt Dulin    Barrett Goldsmith    Zach Lee 
                Jim Parsons            Christian Schmidt           Blake Whitaker

Being green

UH is prettier than some might say.

We're not talking about inner beauty or virtue, either, though UH certainly can weigh in on both counts. We're talking about trees, bushes, grass -- the natural components of the campus's design. They are the best things going for UH's look and feel.

Unfortunately, the campus has not been as well tended as of late, because budget cuts have kept Plant Operations from employing its usual grounds-keeping contingent. But, the small crew is working extremely well for a campus this size and this bustling. 

The general wear and tear that 35,000 students produce no doubt gives the crew an endless to-do list. Perhaps we could start helping out by keeping the campus a little more litter-free. When you're done reading this newspaper, recycle it; don't just let it waft in the wind somewhere. 

Parking lots are notoriously dirty places, thanks to lazy drivers. Throw away trash in the proper container; don't just toss it on the ground. The University spends thousands of dollars to pay people to pick up your rubbish. If everyone was a little cleaner, maybe UH could spend that money elsewhere.

The University should look into setting up a system by which students could pay parking fines by working to keep the University clean. 

When thousands of students get tickets every year, it would help if even 1 percent of those gave up a couple hours to do a little yard work or clean a few windows instead of writing a check.

The campus is a great place to learn, work and study; keeping it cleaner will only enhance its strengths.

The campus is green, but it isn't easy keeping it that way. Do your part every day to keep the place respectable and give the Plant Operations guys a breather. 

And, when the weather's nice, don't forget to sit outside, and enjoy the scenery. You'll remember why it's worth it to recycle this paper.

 Send comments to dccampus@mail.uh.edu