51ĀŅĀ×

Over the years, 51ĀŅĀ× has placed an increasing importance on sustainability. This year is no different.

The University is proud to share its sustainability efforts so far this semester, starting with a very successful move-in recycling drive, during which 39,700 pounds of material was recycled over four days.

ā€œThis was a great way to immediately introduce 51ĀŅĀ×'s recycling and sustainability efforts to incoming students,ā€ said Christian Thanasoulis, communications team leader at Campus Recycling. ā€œI was impressed by how excited students and parents were to recycle.ā€

Compost bins

Those who have attended football games at Peden Stadium might have noticed some big changes as a part of the zero-waste initiative ā€” compost bins. Alongside the new bins are ā€œbin goalies,ā€ people stationed at bins to help attendees properly sort their waste between landfill and recycling.

ā€œIn addition to bin goalies, weā€™ve implemented real time sorting of trash and recycling,ā€ Thanasoulis added. ā€œWeā€™d like to give a special thanks to the Climate Ambassadors for volunteering and pioneering the bin goalie experience during this year's first home game. Also, a thank you to the Boy Scouts of Troop 357 and Troop 71 for condensing any remaining trash/recycling in Peden Stadium.ā€

In addition to providing recycling bags to tailgaters, Campus Recycling is now offering them a 5-gallon bucket option for compost. The bucket is convenient for tailgaters and helps to keep food waste out of the refuse.

Reusable bag awareness

Thatā€™s not all. Campus Recycling has also been educating the public on reusable bags compared to plastic bags at several events around the community as a part of the Reusable Bag Awareness Campaign.

ā€œEducation consists of discussing that plastic bags are no longer recyclable, and are there for, wasteful to use,ā€ Thanasoulis noted.

Recycling competition

In addition to these efforts, the University has been hosting the Recycling Battle of the Greens: A four-week competition from Sept. 4 through Oct. 2. The event is sponsored by campus Recycling and Housing and Residence Life. The winning residence halls on each green get free pizza,

ā€œThe winner is determined by the highest diversion rate, which is the percent of waste diverted from the landfill through recycling,ā€ Thanasoulis explained. ā€œRecycling Battle of the Greens is an excellent opportunity to introduce the incoming students to the recycling culture.ā€