IDEM grant helps USI teach students 3 Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Recycling is an activity for all ages at the University of Southern Indiana (USI), and as a recipient of an Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) 2007 grant, the school has successfully implemented an aggressive recycling program.

The new effort was implemented during the 2008 Spring semester, and the university has diverted approximately 20,000 pounds of recycled materials, such as aluminum cans, paper, and plastic bottles, from landfills.

“Since we started the recycling program, we have collected nearly three pounds of recyclable material per resident student per day,” said Gregory Wagoner, USI assistant director of Housing and Residence Life facilities. “With nearly 3,000 residents and 10,000 students registered last year, this adds up to a significant amount.”

In addition to the successful collection efforts among co-eds and staff, school officials recently implemented the next phase of their recycling plan – educating youth. Children attending campus day care were taught about recycling and how it helps the earth. Participants were rewarded with a water bottle made from recycled materials.

"Educating children is an important step toward improving the environment," said Thomas Easterly, IDEM commissioner. "Teaching children good habits early will allow them to grow into strong environmental stewards."

The successful endeavor has prompted USI officials to discuss additional programs to encourage recycling among the student body and beyond campus borders.

“We’re working with community leaders from Evansville to expand recycling efforts,” Wagoner said. “We’re pleased with the response to our recycling program and thankful to have the opportunity to do so many positive things for the environment. The IDEM grant had made so many different projects possible.”

Solid waste management districts, local units of government, non-profits and schools may apply to IDEM’s Office of Pollution Prevention and Technical Assistance for up to $50,000 to support local implementation of new or expanded recycling programs. Eligible projects include curbside recycling, drop-off recycling, recycling processing, composting, yard waste collection, and pay-as-you-throw with recycling. Eligible organizations interested in applying for recycling grants in Southwest Indiana may call IDEM’s Southwest Regional Office in Petersburg toll free at (888) 672-8323.

Gregory Wagoner, assistant director of Housing and Residence Life facilities at the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville, rewards children from the campus day care center with water bottles made from recycled materials. As part of an Indiana Department of Environmental Management grant-funded project, the children participated in activities that helped them learn about recycling and how recycling helps the earth. (Photo submitted by the University of Southern Indiana)

Source: IDEM