By Bianca Bower
Grand Rapids Community College is participating in a recycling competition called campus race to zero waste. Formerly known as Recyclemania, the competition is designed to “help colleges and universities advance campus recycling and waste reduction efforts,” according to the Campus Race to Zero Waste website. This contest is open to all secondary institutions of higher learning.
Participating schools will be weighing campus waste weekly in efforts to collect the most recycled waste. The eight-week-long recycling competition began on Feb. 2. The weights of recycled materials are reported at the end of each week, and the final week of the competition is March 29. The materials recycled include paper, cans, bottles, food organics, cardboard and electronics.
Competition is already underway at GRCC.
“Our Facilities Department has been working on the process of recording and reporting the weights of the recyclables on campus,” stated Jeanne Lacy, Support Professional for the Facilities Department at GRCC.
Staff involved in this event are asking the students to recycle. There are many recycling containers around campus for students to use. Participation in recycling can expand attention for zero waste efforts and reduce GRCC’s environmental footprint. If you are unsure what materials are recyclable there are posters around campus explaining what can be recycled.
GRCC Recycling states helpful information when recycling, “Remember, all recyclables should be empty, clean and loose. And when in doubt, throw it out.”
“Being a sustainable member of the community is important to GRCC and participating also aligns with the institution’s Strategic Goal #5,” stated Lacy.
In the Campus-wide Environmental Sustainability Effort there are two tactics to create effective progress.
- Tactic 3.1: Reduce physical waste.
- Tactic 3.2: Better understand how we can be more sustainable in the environments we are in.
By being more proactive in recycling efforts, students can help fulfill these sustainability goals and improve the environment on campus!
GRCC has been making great efforts in preparation for this event. Kent County Department of Public Works’s system makes sure that recycling is handled correctly.
“Their system makes sure recycling is done properly (sorting and baling) and that the bales are sent to reliable markets close to Michigan for use in other products,” stated Lacy.
Recycled materials and waste go to this department, and it is the primary location throughout West Michigan.
There are many faculty members involved with helping this event.
The Sustainability Team is led by Bill Faber, Jim Van Dokkumburg, and Klaas Kwant. The GRCC Facilities Department is also helping with the zero waste pursuits: Pat Baldridge, Lacy, building managers Zeke Cortez, Bob Green, James Hanafin, Tom Vos and third shift custodians.
The winners will be announced on April 29th on the “Campus Race to Zero Waste” website. So stay tuned to see how GRCC does compared to competing schools.
Those who wish to be involved with the efforts to zero waste can contact Lacy at jlacy@grcc.edu. Also, refer to the Kent County Recycling and Education Center website for programs, services and even facility tours.
