Recycle U
If you don’t think throwing away your empty soda cans or used batteries makes a difference to saving the environment, think again.
“Recycling can lower the amount of waste that is incinerated or sent to landfills, reduce cities’ waste disposal costs, and has potentially significant environmental benefits, such as decreasing water and air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, according to a recent report issued by the Government Accounting Office (GAO).
Although recycling can generate environmental and economic benefits, the national recycling rate has increased only slightly since 2000, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The recent GAO report, for example, found that Americans in 2005 generated 246 million tons of municipal solid waste, or 1,600 pounds per person. Of that amount, only 79 million tons were recycled.
Going Green
Through its Green U initiative, the University of Miami is striving to be a leader in recycling. The institution recycles everything from paper, cardboard, glass, and plastics to aluminum cans, batteries, lamps, oil, and electronic parts, says UM’s Ken Capezzuto, director of environmental health and safety. Last year, the University recycled:
- 3,941 pounds of batteries,
- 17,689 pounds of lamps,
- 2,062 gallons of oil,
- and 1,155 units of electronic parts, such as computer screens and keyboards.
Community Involvement
UM’s ambitious recycling plan is aimed at getting the entire University community involved in recycling efforts. Glass/plastic and paper recycling containers are being placed all over campus, and contests and promotional ideas are being implemented by many of UM’s student organizations.
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Green Team
The University also is participating in RecycleMania 2007, a friendly competition among college and university recycling programs in the United States that provides campus communities with a fun, proactive activity in waste reduction. During the ten-week competition, which began on January 28, UM is competing against 200 other colleges and universities in different contests to see which institution can collect the largest amount of recyclables per capita, the largest amount of total recyclables, the least amount of trash per capita, and accrue the highest recycling rate. The goals: to increase recycling participation by students, faculty, and staff and heighten awareness of waste management and recycling programs. For more information on RecycleMania, visit www.recyclemania.org.