Purdue on track to reach goals in national sustainability competition
So far this school year, Purdue has beaten Indiana in football, basketball, soccer and volleyball.
Now, the Boilermakers are running away from the Hoosiers in Recyclemania, too.
Recyclemania is a 10-week competition in which schools seek to promote waste reduction. There are 350 participating colleges and universities and eight competition categories, ranging from the largest amount of recyclables collected per capita to the highest recycling rate. For a breakdown of each competition and the current rankings, visit www.recyclemaniacs.org/Results.aspx.
Faculty and staff can get involved simply by using the recycling bins in their buildings. A list of acceptable items is at www.purdue.edu/buildings_grounds/recycling. The competition lasts through March 27.
Purdue's highest current ranking is in the Gorilla Prize category (highest gross tonnage of recyclables). The Boilermakers are in seventh place, down from their previous spot at No. 5.
In the Grand Champion category, which combines the per capita classic and waste minimization competitions, Purdue is No. 70. Indiana is No. 131.
"The University is currently adapting itself to be more competitive with dual stream recycling, desk side recycling and an increase in bins across campus," says Carmen Martin, Grounds department recycling intern. "Of course this isn't just for competition, but for the sustainability of the University."
Purdue's overall recycling rate, which includes its institutional recycling efforts, is currently at 48 percent. The goal by 2014 is to reach 85 percent, says Gary Evans, director of Grounds.
"I'm very pleased with the efforts of the student groups that have spearheaded our successful participation," says Evans. "More than ever, students are aware of the need to be good stewards of our environment. Our participation in Recyclemania is another way we can support our students as they lead us in adopting positive, sustainable practices."
Martin says: "I think RecycleMania is doing a great job encouraging students and staff to recycle and more importantly, reduce. The best way for people to get involved this year is to talk about it. Spreading the word is an important but easy part of everyone's daily life."