POTSDAM -- The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of the most environmentally responsible colleges in the U.S.A. and Canada, according to the Princeton Review.

The well-known education services company selected SUNY Potsdam for inclusion in the just-released second annual edition of its free downloadable book, "The Princeton Review's Guide to 322 Green Colleges: 2012 Edition."

"This is an encouraging affirmation that SUNY Potsdam is on the right track," said college Sustainability and Operations Coordinator R.J. Mattimore. "The college has been working hard on a long list of initiatives in order to reduce our impact on the environment, and to spread awareness about sustainability to our students, faculty, staff and community."

On the list of initiatives is the purchase of $300,000 in local produce and goods each year by PACES, the dining services for SUNY Potsdam. In addition, the College Store and Union Market are offering completely biodegradable caps and gowns for commencement, on top of their numerous recycled and local products.

This year, Mattimore created the first Sustainability Advisors program, which is modeled on the college's Residence Advisor and Wellness Advocates programs. This course teaches students to become role models and resources for going green on campus.

Residence Life has also established a sustainability-themed floor for those students that want to immerse themselves in a green lifestyle. Students can also get involved through the student government-recognized environmental group, the Middle Ground.