A new, expanded recycling program at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs will begin with personal pledges from faculty, staff sealed with a signature.
But campus community members won’t be signing a piece of paper. Signatures will adorn recycling bins during a “Let it Rip” kick off event beginning at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 25 at the University Center Upper Plaza.
“We hope the presence of recycling bins bearing either your name or of someone you know will create awareness that the success of this program depends on individual actions,” Linda Kogan, director, Office of Sustainability said.
Beginning this fall, UCCS, in coordination with Recycle America, began a dual-stream recycling strategy. All paper products that can be torn go in one bin. All containers, including aluminum, glass, and plastic go in a second bin. By accepting more materials and making recycling simple, Kogan hopes UCCS will increase its recycling rates from a current 5-10 percent to 26 percent.
At the kick-off event, community members will review an on-line pledge to reduce, reuse and recycle. After taking the pledge, they can make their commitment public by signing one of two artistically painted recycling dumpsters.
The recycling program is part of an overall UCCS commitment to the environment and sustainability. Two buildings, the Campus Recreation Center and the Science Engineering Building, are targeted to receive Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design credit for the recycling of construction waste. They also utilize energy efficient designs and utilities. During student move-ins, more than two tons of cardboard was recycled. This fall, recycling bins were also distributed to all campus offices.
UCCS, located on Austin Bluffs Parkway in Colorado Springs, is the fastest growing university in Colorado, and one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. The University offers 29 bachelor’s degrees, 18 master’s, and four doctoral degrees. The campus enrolls about 7,700 students.