(Posted 3-27-00)
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News Service Contact: Natasha Ashe, 336-334-5371

UNCG RECYCLING PROGRAM WINS AWARD

GREENSBORO--Encouraging students and faculty not only to recycle paper products, but also clothes, was one of several innovative ideas that won The University of North Carolina at Greensboro  an award from the Carolina Recycling Association.

For the first time, UNCG was honored with the Outstanding University Program for Excellence in Waste Reduction and Recycling award in March.

Staff members from the Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling placed "grab boxes" in laundry rooms of residence halls where students swap quality (but no longer wanted) clothes and household items instead of sending them to the landfill.

"Every year, following "move-out" students leave behind so many unwanted items in residence halls," explained Sarah Ketchem, recycling coordinator for the Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling. "We even started to notice good clothes and brand-new shoes being put in trash shoots, daily. These sorts of things spurred our desire to do something more with those items. We get some really good stuff."

Ketchem said in the past, the group has taken collected clothes and items to Goodwill, but said they are hoping to expand their distribution to other agencies. "We know there is a need for these items in the community, so we hope to be able to help others," she said.

The honor was designated for a college or university program that promoted sustainable resource through waste reduction, reuse and recycling on campus. UNCG was one of six universities or colleges nominated for the award.

The selection criteria included an integrated waste reduction program, innovation, education and recruitment and retention of volunteers. The Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling, which is supported by more than forty student volunteers, has worked to promote recycling awareness and place a strong emphasis on education by adding other innovative features including:
    Waste audits that monitor the amount of recyclable items found in campus dumpsters;
    Placing recycling bins in every building;
    Placing a magazine reuse rack in the post office where people can leave unwanted periodicals for others to read.

Ketchem said the office is proud of the campus-wide effort made to prohibit wastefulness and increase recycling. For now, a blue, recycled glass plaque reminds them of the accomplishment. "Eventually we're going to move it (the plaque) to the display case so that everyone can enjoy it," Ketchem said. "After all, it belongs to all of us."

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