A group of students sit on a grassy hill on the St. Mary's University campus.

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.

Two students wearing St. Mary's University branded shirts walk by the historic St. Louis Hall. Two other students smile as they converse with each other in the background.

How Can You Help?

  • A staff member fills up her Laudato Si' water bottle at a new water bottle refilling station on the third floor of St. Louis Hall.

    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.

  • International students take a group photo in the Diamondback Cafe.

    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.

  • Bell Tower at night

    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.

    students in the ECO club gardening

Green Opportunities

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

  • St. Mary's University student Gisell Orozco reads a book with a group of children on the streets of Bangalore's slums.

    SAM Ministries

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

  • Two students play with a dog.

    San Antonio Humane Society

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

  • Students help with food packaging during Fall 2019 Continuing the Heritage.

    Misfits Market

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

  • San Antonio during sunset

    City of San Antonio

    Help keep our city clean with recycling and responsible energy usage


Green Resources On-Campus

  • Water Refill Stations
  • Recycle Bins
A staff member fills up her Laudato Si' water bottle at a new water bottle refilling station on the third floor of St. Louis Hall.
On-Campus Green Resources
LocationGreen ResourcesFind It On The Map
Alumni Athletic Convocation Center Recycle Bin, Water Refill StationView Green Resources in the AA&CC
Albert B. Alkek Business BuildingRecycle Bin, Water Refill StationView Green Resources in Alkek
AT&T Center for Information Technology Recycle BinsView Green Resources in the AT&T Center
Blank-Sheppard Innovation Center Water Refill StationsView Green Resources in Blank-Sheppard
Blume Library Commons Study AreaRecycle Bins, Water Refill StationView Green Resources in the Commons
Charles Francis HallRecycle Bins, Water Refill StationView Green Resources in Charles Francis
Ernest A. Raba Law BuildingRecycle Bins, Water Refill StationView Green Resources in Raba
Garni Science HallRecycle Bins, Water Refill StationView Green Resources in Garni
Health CenterRecycle BinView Green Resources in the Health Center
Marian Science Learning Living CommunityRecycle Bins, Water Refill StationView Green Resources in Marian
Marianist ResidenceRecycle Bin, Water Refill StationView Green Resources in the Marianist Residence
Moody Life Sciences BuildingRecycle BinsView Green Resources in Moody
Our Lady of Lourdes HallWater Refill StationView Green Resources in Lourdes
Périgueux HallWater Refill StationView Green Resources in Périgueux
Ritcher Math and Engineering Center Water Refill StationView Green Resources in Ritcher
Sarita Kenedy East Law LibraryRecycle Bin, Water Refill StationView Green Resources in the Law Library
Treadaway Recital HallRecycle BinView Green Resources in the Recital Hall
The Village Recycle StationRecycle BinView Green Resources at the Village Recycle Station
University CenterRecycle Bins, Water Refill StationView Green Resources in the UC
List of On-Campus Green Resources

Guides for Marianist Organizations and Sustainable Living


More On Sustainability

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