Gateway

Issue date: 9/26/08 Section: News

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In an effort to make the campus greener, a new recycling program has been launched.

Now next to most trash cans, small blue bins can be found where students can discard recyclables. Both the Dodge Street and Pacific Street campuses will be able to use the blue bins to sort recyclables starting this semester.

According to a statement released by the university, paper products, cardboard, water bottles, pop cans and other various types of plastic and metal containers will be recycled. Students are not to discard food, liquids, tissues, paper towels, construction materials, plastic bags or glass in these bins.

When we recycle, it reduces waste, as well as cuts the energy that would be used to produce new items.

"Natural resources are limited, so we need to stop wasting valuable items," said sophomore Taylor Johnson. "Recycling is an easy way to take a step in the right direction.".

The university will use a single-stream program that is provided by Firstar Fiber and uses mechanical sorting to reduce collection costs. According to Firstar's Web site, this type of program allows users to commingle all types of recyclable materials in one bin for collection.

"By making a few minor changes to our daily routine and behavior, we can all make a big difference on the environment," Chancellor John Christensen said in a statement. "I ask the entire UNO community to support and participate in our extended, 'single-stream' recycling program."

Recycling has been a key to waste management for years and the university's expanded program makes for a greener campus.

The paper products recycled in 2007 topped 127 tons, according to the university's sustainability Web site. These products range from office and copy paper to newspapers and envelopes. Students living off campus are encouraged to collect their recyclables and use the city's drop-off sites.

Information on the city's recycling program can be found online at www.thecityofomaha.com/recycling.

In addition to recycling students can make more of an effort to reduce the amount of trash they discard and reuse items. These are known as the three R's: reduce, reuse and recycle.

The expanded program makes recycling, easier for students, reusing water bottles and plastic bags are some other ways that help the environment.

To learn more, visit www.unomaha.edu/green. Also, if students would like to get involved in environmental issues, they can join the Environmental Club of UNO. Contact the club at (402) 554-6090 for meeting times.

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