Eco-Rep Green Corner: The Recyclemania battle has begun

Recyclemania has started at Rider University once again. The competition began on Jan. 17 and will run until March 27. This year we are focusing on waste minimization, and we want to get the Rider community to participate to the fullest. We cannot do it without you.

The waste minimization competition does not just focus on recycling, but also gets the individual to concentrate on reducing his or her amount of waste. There are so many easy ways to accomplish this goal and rank highly in the competition. Use a reusable mug or cup instead of using plastic water bottles. Quench machines are placed all over campus, and Starbucks and Java City even offer discounts if you use reusable mugs. Buy a set of utensils, plates, bowls, etc., instead of using the disposable ones. Not only will you be reducing Rider’s waste, but you’ll be saving yourself money as well.

Make sure you are printing on both sides of the paper for homework assignments and essays. It will lighten your backpack and reduce the amount of paper used on campus. Instead of purchasing paper towels and napkins every month, you can buy cloth towels and sponges that can be used for a much longer period of time. These little things will greatly decrease our waste and will help in our effort of achieving an outstanding rank in the Recyclemania competition.

So remember to recycle everything you can (Rider now recycles plastics numbered one to seven) and to minimize your waste every chance you get.

Another program Rider University is implementing is “Techno-Trash.” The types of items being collected for the program include: diskettes, Zip disks, CDs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, DVDs, video tapes (VHS), audio tapes, game cartridges, DAT, DLT, Beta/Digibeta and any other type of computer tape.

We are also collecting used printer cartridges, including inkjet and toner. This new program offers a way to throw out products that would otherwise build up in landfills for centuries, depending on the product. What happens to the Techno-Trash after it’s collected? Its information is securely destroyed on your media, no matter what form it is in. Salvageable items are recycled whenever possible. Reuse is the highest form of recycling: If the items cannot be reused due to age, wear or economic reasons, the material is broken down to its raw components and recycled. The company that the Techno-Trash is sent to ensures all recycling processes meet or exceed governmental regulations and minimizes the environmental impact as much as possible. No hazardous materials are sent outside the country and 99 percent of all material the company receives are either reused or recycled. This new program will begin soon, so make sure you keep an eye out for the green buckets labeled “Techno-Trash” in the trash rooms in your residence hall and around campus.

-Jenny Fisher

Lawrenceville Eco-Rep