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This blog was written by Chris Kelly, associate vice president for university marketing and communication.
As a child I loved to fish. The best part of my summer was the week I got to spend with my grandparents on Grand Lake. Grandpa owned a small fishing boat and every evening, just before dusk, we’d head out to see how many catfish we could bring home.
During the drive to the dock, one of my jobs was to keep an eye out for empty aluminum cans that might be along the road. You see, Grandpa was a recycler. He didn’t do it to make some grand point about the environment or because it was the popular thing to do, he did it because it was practical.
Recycling aluminum cans was how he was able to pay for gas for his boat. Like I said … practical.
To Grandpa recycling just made sense. Why throw away what you can reuse?
This same line of thinking is helping make Pittsburg State University a regional leader in sustainability. While Earth Day events make the headlines, (and rightfully so) the university’s recycling efforts continue throughout the year.
In fact, between March 1 and June 30 of this year, PSU recycled 12.4 tons of paper, 3.04 tons of cardboard, 435 pounds of plastic and 290 pounds of aluminum. Those are impressive numbers and due, in large part, to the incredible efforts of our custodial services staff.
University officials are already looking for ways to increase these numbers in the coming years, while maintaining a cost-effective recycling program.
The bottom line is that Gorillas are helping to reduce waste, save money and help the environment. I think Grandpa would be proud.
Pittsburg State University is quickly becoming known for its sustainability efforts.
Pittsburg State University is a comprehensive, four-year university that offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Located in Pittsburg, Kan., it was established in 1903 and has more than 7,000 students.
