Before homecoming week kicked off, the LSU Student Senate looked to the aftermath.
During its Oct. 14 meeting, the Senate passed Student Government Resolution No. 20 requesting LSU Greek Life and Campus Life dispose of all homecoming decorations in an eco-friendly manner. The legislation passed unanimously.
Senators Colleen Cecola, Joanie Lyons, Jacob Phagan and Molly Ryan authored the resolution. Phagan is also the marketing subcommittee chair for the Homecoming Committee.
Phagan said he spoke with Campus Life to ensure its decorations are disposed of properly. He said Campus Life is working with the Campus Sustainability to accomplish this.
He said Cecola and Lyons originally approached him with a different idea regarding decorations and athletics, but he was worried the Homecoming Committee and the LSU Athletic Department would not support it.
After considering the issue, Phagan said it’s SG’s responsibility to make sure the practice is done in a sustainable manner.
Cecola said student organizations are required to dispose of decorations and float structures in a timely manner, so enforcing the policy should not be difficult.
Lyons also said there are several recycling dumpsters behind fraternity and sorority houses to use. She said the tissue paper that often adorns the parade structures could be recycled.
The 2.9 mile homecoming parade will start Saturday at 11 a.m. at the University Administration Building parking lots on West Lakeshore Drive. Floats, which are submitted by on- and off-campus organizations, are judged on creativity, use of theme and LSU spirit, among other categories.
A senator asked the authors if the large dumpster placed on West Lakeshore Drive across from some fraternity houses last year could be used for recycling. Phagan said the resolution will be sent to Angela Guillory, the associate dean of students and director of Greek Life, who is likely working with whoever ordered the dumpster for campus.
“I’m sure that we could turn that into a recycling dumpster or include a recycling dumpster when they bring it out,” Phagan said.
The Campus Affairs and Sustainability committee referred the resolution favorably after hearing it during its meeting.
“I just think it’s a really good idea,” Phagan said. “Now we are turning it into a sustainable initiative, and I think that’s great.”