our commitment
Academic institutions worldwide have formally committed themselves to confronting environmental problems, not only in their research and educational programs, but also by reducing the environmental "footprint" of their campuses. Saint Mary's is proud to be a part of this growing trend:
- As a liberal arts institution, Saint Mary's is committed to preparing responsible citizens who contribute to the common good. Teaching and modeling good environmental citizenship helps students understand their place in an increasingly interdependent world.
- As a Catholic institution, Saint Mary's College affirms the moral obligation to care for God's creation. In 2002, Pope John Paul II stated that "Christians and all other believers have a specific role to play in educating people in ecological awareness."
- As a Lasallian institution, Saint Mary's recognizes that the most devastating impacts of environmental degradation are visited upon the disadvantaged. The United States Conference of Bishops observes that "the ecological problem is intimately connected to justice for the poor."
