The results are officially in, and Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus recycled nearly 10,000 pounds of paper, plastic, aluminum and cardboard during Recyclemania.
The friendly competition between colleges across the country began Feb. 8 and lasted eight weeks. Arkansas Tech-Ozark was one of only two campuses in the state competing and placed 221st out of 605 with an average of 7.59 pounds per student.
In all, 4,605 pounds of paper were recycled by students, faculty and staff, along with 3,752 pounds of cardboard and 852 pounds of aluminum and plastic.
Sustainability Coordinator James Goodhand, who spearheaded the effort, said, “Recyclemania was a great opportunity to bring student and staff attention to campus recycling.
“We responded well, and our recycling rate has increased since the competition started. I hope our final results give everyone a sense of just how much waste we can recycle here, and elsewhere in the community.”
Recyclemania was started in 2001 through a partnership between Keep America Beautiful, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Wastewise program and the College and University Recycling Coalition.
Although the competition is over, Arkansas Tech-Ozark will continue its efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle.
Ken Warden, chief business and community outreach officer, said, “We believe that when professionals in all skilled areas perform their duties correctly, the environment wins. We model this performance in the things we do and the programs we deliver.
“James’ work and the Recyclemania effort are ways we’ve found to elevate our commitment to environmental sustainability.”
In honor of Earth Day Sunday, April 22, Arkansas Tech-Ozark is hosting a disc-golf tournament at 3 p.m. Friday, April 20. Discs will be available for rent, and Goodhand will have Earth Day literature on hand and prizes will be given away.
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