Having gone to school in Baltimore City, we've witnessed and heard about the devastating effects of pollution, particularly in areas like Curtis Bay. As students at Loyola University Maryland, we've realized that our university has an opportunity to become a leader in sustainability and environmental responsibility by implementing composting stations in all residence halls. This initiative would not only help reduce the overwhelming food waste contributing to local pollution, but also foster a culture of environmental stewardship among the students.

The excessive food waste in Baltimore is a growing concern. According to the World Bank, about one-third of all food produced for human consumption is wasted every year. This waste often ends up in landfills, where it decomposes anaerobically and generates methane, a greenhouse gas significantly more potent than carbon dioxide. These landfills contribute heavily to the pollution burden in areas like Curtis Bay, further exacerbating public health issues and environmental degradation.

Implementing composting stations is a practical and effective solution. Composting can reduce food waste by up to 50%, transforming it into nutrient-rich soil that can be used for local community gardens and green spaces. This would not only decrease landfill waste but also contribute positively to urban agriculture and community development.

By requiring composting stations in all of its residence halls, Loyola University Maryland would demonstrate its commitment to sustainability, leading the way for other institutions in the region to follow suit. This initiative would provide students with the tools and knowledge necessary to practice sustainable habits that they can carry with them beyond their university years. We already have composting stations available on the academic quadrangle and throughout the student center, however, adding stations outside of residence halls could encourage students to compost their old leftovers and spoiled food rather than throwing it away. 

Additionally, introducing composting stations aligns with the university's mission to educate the whole person and prepare its students to lead and learn in a diverse and ever-changing world. It supports both the Jesuit values of social justice and care for our common home as articulated in Pope Francis’s encyclical, "Laudato Si’."

By signing this petition, you will help urge Loyola University Maryland to take a significant step forward in its sustainability efforts and contribute to creating a healthier, more sustainable Baltimore. Together, we can make a difference. Please sign this petition today to support the installation of composting stations in every residence hall on campus.