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FAQs

Thank you for your ideas and suggestions related to environmental stewardship.  The following represents questions and ideas related to environmental stewardship that have been submitted to the ISNW.  The relevant departments have been consulted and their answers follow. 

1. Why doesn't JMU compost food waste?
The JMU composting program is currently being handled by Recycling and Dining Services in the food processing and disposal areas at East Campus Dining Hall.  The goal is to eventually roll this out for the entire campus. It will take some time, as there are complexities, such as straws and cup lids contaminating the composting, and considerable training and logistics involved.
 
Currently, the best option for individuals is if you bring the compostable utensils/cups home to compost or if your office composts.  For an example of office composting, you can contact Jennifer Coffman in Office of International Programs (coffmaje@jmu.edu), or staff can take the Greening the Office Training and Development class offered by Jennifer and Maria Papdakis. Using the compostable service ware and disposing of it in JMU waste containers does reduce the amount of trash that will stay in the landfill as the utensils/cups will decompose over time.

2. Why does JMU water when it is raining? 
Facilities Management has begun installing sensors so that in-ground watering systems will not activate under wet conditions. JMU has greatly reduced the amount of watering conducted with hoses.

3. Why don't we discontinue the use of leaf blowers?
Blowers are not a significant source of emissions for JMU but are frequently reported as an annoyance. Blowers are used for much more than leaves. For example, they are used routinely to clear sidewalks to prevent debris from entering stormwater drains. This is part of the JMU's commitment to stormwater management. Manual alternatives, such as raking, are not feasible for a variety of reasons, such as manpower availability.  Low-noise, low emissions leaf blowers meeting strict State of California standards are being phased in.

4. Why does JMU send its yard waste to the landfill?
JMU does not send its yard waste to the landfill.  JMU mulches and spreads collected leaf material when possible. This equates to approximately 90% of our leaves.

5. Why does JMU throw away plant bulbs?
Bulbs are now being recycled to the Arboretum.

6. I expressed interest in serving on an environmental stewardship committee and/or I was nominated last year.  I haven't heard back.
The significant interest in participating in campus environmental stewardship committees is noteworthy. A master list of volunteers is maintained.  Those who have expressed interest are being contacted as opportunities arise that match their skills and interests. If you would like to be added to the volunteer list, please e-mail, stewardship@jmu.edu with your contact information and interests.

7. When will JMU allow greater telecommuting?
JMU currently has policies that allow telecommuting within units on a case-by-case basis. JMU HR believes that JMU does have employees who on occasion work from home to accomplish a project or task. Unique to the state's policy is that the state does not consider a person engaged in a telecommuting agreement unless they are telecommuting 32 hours per month per the agreement. JMU will formalize our telecommuting plan as required by the Commonwealth. Whether or not the university intends to actively pursue the engagement of telecommuting among its employees will be decided in the future. At this point, until our telecommuting plan is formalized and approved, HR recommends following the current, published policies.

8. Some exterior lights at the Virginia Avenue rental property are on all the time.
The lights have been repaired.  Thank you for alerting us.  We encourage our citizens to report all such maintenance issues to building coordinators. They will then report to work control.  Promptly eliminating malfunctions contributes to significant energy and cost savings.

9. Why don't we use the bicycles in Surplus?
JMU employees may go to Surplus and transfer a bicycle to their area. As with other Surplus property, the equipment is in various conditions, and is not maintained by the university. If you transfer a bicycle to your area, you must purchase a safety check at a local bicycle store. Wear a helmet and follow the other safety rules.  See safety and route resources here.

10. Why are the stadium lights on frequently?
The stadium lights are frequently used for additional safety lighting.  Beginning in mid-November 2009, the lights will frequently be on to support construction of the new stadium.  Upon completion of the stadium, a new light management plan will be developed.

11. The bike racks are overflowing.
Bicycling has increased significantly this year. More racks have been added on the East side of campus and the Quad. Measurements are being conducted to quantify areas where there is a sustained increase and bicycle racks will continue to be located appropriately.