The Catholic social teachings that inform Marquette say the environment should be of concern.

"Care for the environment is one of the seven major principles of Catholic social teachings," said Jame Schaefer, director of the interdisciplinary minor in environmental ethics.,”The Catholic social teachings that inform Marquette say the environment should be of concern.

"Care for the environment is one of the seven major principles of Catholic social teachings," said Jame Schaefer, director of the interdisciplinary minor in environmental ethics.

The principle is included in the tenant of "caring for God's creations," which was added to the Catholic social teachings a few years ago, Schaefer said.

Gerald Fischer, University Ministry assistant director, said he thinks it took a long time for the Church to act on the environment because of interpretations that humans have dominion over nature.

"We kind of took that to say nature is ours and we could do what we want," Fischer said.

But over time this view has shifted, he said.

"Now we are seen as the caretakers of nature instead," Fischer said.

Schaefer said theologians have responded to increasing concern for the environment by exploring the religious sources that direct people how to act toward the environment and teaching what they find in parishes and other religious institutions, such as Marquette.

Toby Peters, associate vice president for administration, said that is what a Catholic Jesuit university needs to do.

"It needs to teach students so they can make these changes for a lifetime," Peters said.

Schaefer said the Bible also provides a framework for environmentalism.

"We have the Bible for how to look at the environment, then we work from these notions," she said.

Bible teachings and Catholic theology through the centuries have taught that the physical world is good and believers should act in a way that values it, she said.

The Rev. Thomas Hughson, associate professor of theology, said he thinks that as a Jesuit institution, Marquette is called to be at the forefront of environmentalism.

"The theological faith alone can't propel us into a lead position, but it can motivate us," Hughson said.

Hughson said there are three major areas within the university where he would like to see change.

First, Hughson said he would like to see Marquette's mission statement reflect its concern for the environment.

"This would be something we can be held accountable to," Hughson said.

Next, Hughson said he would like to see more courses apply teachings on the environment in fields such as theology and philosophy where the environment is not typically a component.

Finally, Hughson said faculty research could focus more on the environment.

Peters said Marquette definitely has concern and is committed to sustainability on campus.

"We recognize the importance and value of sustainability, and we will be making a concerted effort in the next several months," Peters said.

He defined sustainability as leaving the environment in a condition future generations can enjoy.

"I think all of us embrace the tenant of caring for God's creation, which includes taking care of the environment," Peters said.

But Peters said even with university initiatives, individuals on campus have to make an effort to support sustainability actions such as recycling, using public transportation and buying organic food. He said the university currently recycles 20 percent of its waste.

"This could be much greater if more people would deposit trash in the appropriate container," Peters said.

Although Marquette is based in Catholic theology, Schaefer said she thinks all religions have something to contribute to caring for the environment.

"These sources all give motivation on how to act," Schaefer said.

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