
Sustainability at St. Mary’s
As Rattlers, we are part of a community committed to caring for our common home. Inspired by Pope Francis’s Laudato Si, St. Mary’s University integrates sustainability into campus life from energy efficiency to waste reduction.
Why Go Green?
Sustainable living benefits both the environment and the St. Mary’s community.
Small choices, like reducing waste and conserving water, help create a healthier planet and conserving water, help create a healthier and stronger campus community. Conservation efforts can also help save money and reduce costs on our campus.

How Can You Help?

Refill, Not Landfill
Help reduce single-use plastic waste by using our water bottle refill stations across campus.
Check the campus map for all available refill stations and join us in making a positive impact.

Take It to Go, Keep Waste Low
Avoid food waste by taking leftovers home in the Diamondback Cafe’s green to-go box.
Reducing food waste helps prevent overproduction and supports our sustainability efforts.

Switch Off, Save Green
Conserve energy and lower costs by turning off lights and unplugging electronics when you leave a room. Every small action adds up, helping the planet and our campus community save resources.

Laudato Si’
In alignment with the principles set forth in Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical addressing ecology and care for our common home, St. Mary’s University is committed to a sustainable future.
Laudato Si’ Action Plan
The Laudato Si’ Action Platform, an initiative of the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, provides tools and guidance for the journey toward total sustainability in the spirit of integral ecology.
Laudato Si’ Speaker Series
The Laudato Si’ Environmental Science Seminar Series is open to all interested in learning about our environment and what you can do to promote a sustainable world. Join us as we learn from speakers in a variety of disciplines.
Join the ECO Club
The Environment, Conservation and Outreach Club (ECO) is a social club that aims to address environmental issues and promote sustainability through outreach at St. Mary’s University through connection and educational opportunities within our local community. Find out about our next meeting through Rattler Tracks.

Green Opportunities
Looking for more ways to give back?
Here are resources to keep our streets clean and rivers protected.

SAM Ministries
Help serve God’s people, giving them the chance to experience God’s unconditional and transforming love.

San Antonio Humane Society
Help protect and improve the lives of dogs and cats to find a permanent and loving home.

Misfits Market
Prevent waste by sourcing from organic sellers that use sustainable initiatives.

City of San Antonio
Help keep our city clean with recycling and responsible energy usage
Green Resources On-Campus
- Water Refill Stations
- Recycle Bins
| Location | Green Resources | Find It On The Map |
|---|---|---|
| Alumni Athletic Convocation Center | Recycle Bin, Water Refill Station | View Green Resources in the AA&CC |
| Albert B. Alkek Business Building | Recycle Bin, Water Refill Station | View Green Resources in Alkek |
| AT&T Center for Information Technology | Recycle Bins | View Green Resources in the AT&T Center |
| Blank-Sheppard Innovation Center | Water Refill Stations | View Green Resources in Blank-Sheppard |
| Blume Library Commons Study Area | Recycle Bins, Water Refill Station | View Green Resources in the Commons |
| Charles Francis Hall | Recycle Bins, Water Refill Station | View Green Resources in Charles Francis |
| Ernest A. Raba Law Building | Recycle Bins, Water Refill Station | View Green Resources in Raba |
| Garni Science Hall | Recycle Bins, Water Refill Station | View Green Resources in Garni |
| Health Center | Recycle Bin | View Green Resources in the Health Center |
| Marian Science Learning Living Community | Recycle Bins, Water Refill Station | View Green Resources in Marian |
| Marianist Residence | Recycle Bin, Water Refill Station | View Green Resources in the Marianist Residence |
| Moody Life Sciences Building | Recycle Bins | View Green Resources in Moody |
| Our Lady of Lourdes Hall | Water Refill Station | View Green Resources in Lourdes |
| Périgueux Hall | Water Refill Station | View Green Resources in Périgueux |
| Ritcher Math and Engineering Center | Water Refill Station | View Green Resources in Ritcher |
| Sarita Kenedy East Law Library | Recycle Bin, Water Refill Station | View Green Resources in the Law Library |
| Treadaway Recital Hall | Recycle Bin | View Green Resources in the Recital Hall |
| The Village Recycle Station | Recycle Bin | View Green Resources at the Village Recycle Station |
| University Center | Recycle Bins, Water Refill Station | View Green Resources in the UC |
List of On-Campus Green Resources
Guides for Marianist Organizations and Sustainable Living
More On Sustainability
Questions? Contact Us.
Evelynn J. Mitchell
Professor and Chair of the Department of Environmental Science and Sustainability
210-436-8030
emitchell1@stmarytx.edu