Earth Week at Ball State will highlight the efforts of individuals and organizations across the state involved in protecting the environment.
The theme, "Homegrown Success: Indiana Achievement," focuses on organizations and people involved with improving the state's environmental sustainability, Abby McCoy, the Natural Resources Club president, said.
"It is important to promote initiatives to become better stewards of the Earth," she said. "You should live in such a way that the resources on Earth will be available for the future generation."
Responsibilities for the environment have also been taken up by the Department of Facilities Planning and Management. At the end of each Spring Semester materials left in the residence halls are recycled. Every year, two to three tons of materials are gathered, Michael Planton, superintendent of grounds, said.
"You would be stunned at some of the things we've seen," he said.
He said anything from clothes and wood to computers and canned goods is either sent to the Muncie Mission or recycled. He said the campus averages 50 tons a month of "traditional" recycling materials -- such as paper, glass, metal and cardboard. As of now, the university generates 275 tons of trash a month, and 16 percent of that is recyclable. Planton said the state wants universities at 50 percent recycled materials.
The facilities plant is searching for ways to remedy the gap. There are plans to increase the amount of recycling bins to include outside locations. They are also looking for recyclable takeout containers for dining services, which would be more expensive than the current takeout containers.
Wasting paper is another problem that relies on the individual, John Vann, marketing professor, said. It can be remedied by using both sides of a sheet when printing, he said. This also helps the university cut back on buying more paper and saves trees.
"I haven't gotten a new ream of paper in six months," Vann said.
Vann requires his students to turn in assignments that are printed on both sides, and he sends departmental memos the same way. He said sending e-mails, printing on both sides of paper and recycling what has been used are all a part of the "reduce, reuse, recycle" process. He also suggested buying post-consumer recycled content, which keeps materials out of landfills and reduces energy use.
He said even though recyclable items are handled differently, they all have one origin: people.
"No matter what the item, it starts with 'the generator.' A person has to be aware of what they're using and how they're disposing of it," he said.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
