Monday, April 19, 2010
OSU’s Tulsa Campuses to Launch Paper Recycling Campaign on Earth Day
TULSA (April 19, 2010) – Oklahoma State University’s Tulsa campuses will increase their sustainability efforts by launching a paper recycling campaign on Earth Day, April 22.
Howard Barnett, president of OSU-Tulsa and OSU Center for Health Sciences, will kick off the campaign at 9 a.m. in OSU-Tulsa’s Courtyard between Administration Hall and North Hall.
“Recycling is the next major goal in our commitment to sustainability,” Barnett said. “We’ve made a lot of progress with our energy conservation efforts and now we’re taking the next important step. With this new program, everyone on OSU’s Tulsa campuses can do their part to help us drastically reduce the amount of paper we send to area landfills.”
The paper recycling program is the second phase of OSU’s conservation efforts. In 2007, OSU launched an energy conservation program that included analyzing and auditing the campuses for energy-saving opportunities. Students, faculty and staff learned about and were encouraged to use responsible energy practices.
Barnett said OSU-Tulsa has saved $393,190 in energy costs from January 2008 to January 2010, representing a 22.8 percent savings. OSU-CHS experienced savings of $361,773, a 28 percent energy savings.
Angelyn Holmes, energy education manager, is coordinating the recycling efforts and expects to see the same success for the new program.
“Thanks to the commitment of our students, faculty and staff, we are making great strides to change our campus culture and make conscious decisions that will protect the environment and our resources,” Holmes said.
Holmes said the initial goal is a 25 percent reduction in waste, which will benefit OSU financially by reducing waste disposal charges. She also anticipates the program will expand in the future to include other recyclable materials.
OSU-CHS News Contact:
Ellen Averill
918-561-8215
