May 2007

EMS: Putting yourself in the picture

The clock over the file cabinet has ticked its last. Your co-workers are pretending not to notice, so you take it upon yourself to snap new batteries into the clock. So far so good. But what do you do with the old batteries?

If you think tossing them into the trash is acceptable, Cal State Northridge's Environmental Management System (EMS) invites you to better inform yourself.

The goal of the university’s new EMS program is to involve the entire campus in an organized effort to limit our impact on the campus environment. EMS sets environmental policy, identifies ways we affect the environment, and gives guidance on how we can be environmentally friendly.

EMS is there not only to tell us how, for example, to properly dispose of those old batteries—disposal guidelines are available at the Environmental Health and Safety office, x2401—but to make us proactive about a green and healthy CSUN.

Why is EMS important to you?

• EMS matters because you want to work, learn and teach in a green, healthy environment.
• EMS matters because your personal involvement can help make CSUN a leading “green light” in environmental protection.
• EMS matters because it is a great opportunity for this “learning-centered” university to show students what it takes to be good stewards of our environment.
• EMS matters because your future is important to you. EMS practices will continually renew our campus’ resources.

Turn on the "green light"

Get your EMS awareness started online: take the ten-minute training on EMS procedures at www-admn.csun.edu/ehsr/ems/index.htm.