Students in colleges and universities are demanding steps on climate change. This includes creating more sustainable campuses. Campuses around the United States are implementing successful recycling programs. Gettysburg College has taken steps to become more environmentally conscious, but changes in aspects such as recycling can be useful and productive if welcomed into the campus recycling system. American University, University of California Davis, College of the Atlantic, Tufts University, and Valencia College are just a few working to make greener campuses through the use of recycling. The models that these campuses present can be easily replicated on the quest to make Gettysburg College a greener and more sustainable campus.
American University
American University had the goal to become carbon neutral by the year 2020; however, they reached their goal two years early. This schools university policy, says that they would like to remove or minimize waste from batteries, construction, and office material. American University’s website also informs interested parties that their recycling and waste programs are in accordance with the local collection companies.
University of California Davis
University of California Davis is working on only buying recyclable and compostable items, this applies to paper as well. The campus encourages using email and online sources. UC Davis is also able to collect items that can be recycled during move in and move out days. This includes boxes, clothes, furniture, food, etc.
College of the Atlantic
College of the Atlantic is another college making a difference with recycling. This college is attempting to have a 90% diversion of plastics from the landfill by 2025. This college has also signed the “Break free from Plastics Pledge”. This pledge calls for the removal of single use plastics on campus.
Tufts University
Tufts University has a unique recycling program on campus. This program is for recycling gloves that are used in labs, hospitals, etc. In this program, using Kimberly-Clark brand gloves, used gloves can be collected and after a particular process can be turned into a new product. New products can include patio furniture, flower pots, etc.
Valencia College
Valencia College has a system similar to what most people use in there home, and this system is also used at Gettysburg College. This is the single sort recycling program. With this system, recycling can be put into the same bin. They also collect ink cartridges and toner for printers, saving a large amount of metal and plastic waste from landfills.
Check out these sources for more information:
Gettysburg College
American University
American University Policy
University of California Davis
College of the Atlantic
"Break free from Plastics Pledge"
Tufts University
Valencia College
Recycling Facts
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