Contact: Stephen at kellysa@purdue.edu
Although the name of our group is recycling, we incorporate all three R's into our group. Recycling is a the best way to dispose of waste already generated. On most accounts recycling takes less energy, less resources, and always keeps materials out of a landfill. However, recycling does take some energy and resources so reducing the amount of waste is the first step. Our group focuses on reducing waste as well as increasing the percentage of waste recycled.
We do this through:
*Reducing deposable products when reusable ones can be substituted
*Increasing awareness about recycling on and off campus
*Increase the availability of recycling on campus through purchasing recycle bins with money obtained though our grant writing committee
*Implementing a recycling program at Ross-Ade Stadium
*Encouraging the Purdue Community, and beyond, to think of the environmental implications of the products they purchase
Current Projects
*Increasing use of reusable items on campus and in the surrounding community
*Education Campaign about Bottled Water - Download the Poster
*Increasing education about what, where, why, and how to recycle - Check the link or download the pamphlet in publisher or PDF
While these projects are not totally complete the administration at Purdue has taken lead. BGI continues to check with them on progress.
*Eliminating styrofoam from Purdue Campus and the surrounding community. HFS has eliminated all but styrofoam bowls from on the go. In the place of the other items are compost-able materials.
*Increasing recycling bins on campus - Dual stream desk side recycling will be rolled out by buildings and grounds by Dec 31st 2010.
Completed Projects
2010
Spring
*Worked with ITaP and Purdue Student Government to get a testing location in Stewart that has technology that no longer requires cover sheets.
2009
Fall
*Finding alternative to 'Cover Sheets' in iTap printing labs
-After working with ITaP and Purdue Student Government advances have been made that should allow double sided printing as the default and print release stations (to come Spring '10) should relieve the need for Cover Sheets!
*A Day Without Plastic Bags - a project to hand out reusable bags in the West Lafayette Community in order to encourage people to reduce their plastic bag usage. Grant written by Heather Gall
Spring
*Received Grant from IDEM for $25,000 for use on Rose-Ade Recycling
2008
*Worked to Purdue Athletics and Purdue Refuse and Recycling to implement a recycling program at Ross Ade Stadium
*Worked with Purdue Dining Services to transition from styrofoam to a plant-based recyclable plastic
*Worked with Purdue Dining Services to implement a reusable bottle
2007
*$10,000 Tipmont Grant for new recycling bins in Stewart
2009 Football Recycling
9/5/09 - Toledo, ~43,000 attendance, 4,500 lbs recycled
9/19/09 - Northern Illinois ~53,000 attendance, 7,080 lbs recycled
9/26/09 - Notre Dame ~59,082 attendance, 10,780 lbs recycled
Northwestern 10/3 - 3,180 lbs recycled
Ohio State 10/17 - 4,340 lbs recycled
Illinois 10/24 -
Michigan State 11/14 -
2008 Football Recycling
After some time of collaboration between Boiler Green, Purdue Athletics, and Purdue Refuse and Recycling, an agreement was reached to start a recycling program during the football games. Purdue Athletics funded the construction of the 4 initial A-Frames for the tail gating, and after the program proved successful; 4 more frames. They also purchased 75 Clearstream recycling bins and bags. A grant was written and received by Purdue Athletics and Boiler Green Initiative to purchase more bins, bags, and A-frames, however due to the economic down turn, the grant has been put on hold.
During the season Boiler Green volunteers, along with students from several other clubs and service organizations attended each home game starting at 8am and continuing until 30 minutes to 1 hour after the game was over.
2008 Totals
Total Hours Worked: 710.5
Total Volunteers: 150
Total Volume Recycled: 45,140 lbs
2009 Totals
The program was repeated in 2009 with additional recycling centers around the tailgating areas and outside and inside stadium entryways.
Total Hours Worked: 606.5
Total Volunteers: 134
Total Volume Recycled: 47,260 lbs
While you can see the pounds of recycling only increased by about 1 ton, the total recycled by individuals (beverage containers) increased by 10,100lbs. We feel the decreased business (cardboard) recycling is due to the decrease in purchases inside the stadium due to economic stress. However this increase in personal recycling is a great step and show dedication by Purdue fans and visitors.
Pasted Graphic