Call to Action: Reduce Move-out Waste

Though many seniors may be in denial, the end of the semester is just around the corner. End-of-year move-out can be one of the most wasteful times of year on the Reynolda campus, as students rush to pack up their possessions and dispose of unwanted belongings.

To combat this, a number of programs are available to make it easy for students to donate or recycle unwanted possessions to prevent these items from ending up in the landfill.

Last year, students diverted 4.4 tons of waste from the landfill during move-out. Can we top that this year? Read on for a summary of the move-out programs planned for this year.

Deacs Donate

What? Reusable house wares, clothing, small appliances, school supplies, canned/dried food and furniture

When? April 29 – May 16

How? Smaller items can be placed in donation boxes in the lobby of every residence hall. Bulky items (futons, shelving units, rugs, etc.) can be taken out in front of each residence hall and placed next to the Deacs Donate sign. Deacs Donate donations are collected daily by the Resident Student Association, in collaboration with the Salvation Army.

Last year, Residence Life and Housing’s Deacs Donate program helped students put 5,225 pounds of clothing and dorm room essentials into the hands of those in need.

Residents of the Polo Rd. and Rosedale Circle RL&H Theme Houses should contact their resident advisers for information about the location of the donation bins in their areas.

Questions? Contact Ashley Jones (jonesap@wfu.edu) or Cherise James (jamesc@wfu.edu), RSA advisors

Better World Books

What? Textbooks

When? April 29-30, May 2-5

How? All books can be deposited in collection boxes located conveniently near the registers in the school textbook department.

Students always seem to end up with textbooks that the bookstore just cannot buy back at the end of the semester. Better World Books collects and resells these volumes to fund literacy initiatives at home and abroad. Those books that cannot be resold are donated directly to partner programs around the world. This year’s campus partner for the drive is Invisible Children.

Questions? Contact the Office of Sustainability (sustainability@wfu.edu)

Recycle Your Notes

What? Class notes and all recyclable paper

When? April 29 – May 16

How? Recycle loose-leaf notes, class handouts, fliers and other paper and small pieces of cardboard by depositing them in the blue paper recycling bags given to all residents. Full bags can be placed next to the BLUE paper recycling signs outside residence halls.

Questions? Contact Megan Anderson (andersmm@wfu.edu)

Box Bonanza

What? Reusable to-go containers

When? April 27, 10 p.m.

How? Office of Sustainability interns will be storming the residence halls to collect any stray reusable to-go containers. Students may leave these containers outside their rooms for collection, may hand over the containers when interns come knocking, or may place the containers in collection bins located in the Fresh Food Company.

For the week of finals, bio-compostable disposable to-go containers will be used in all dining establishments.

Recycling Tote Collection

What? Small green recycling totes with white handles

When? April 29 – May 16

How? If you received a green personal recycling tote on move-in dayand do not wish to keep it, place it next to the GREEN recycling bin signs outside residence halls.

Unwanted totes will be cleaned and redistributed in the fall.

Questions? Contact the Office of Sustainability (sustainability@wfu.edu)

By Caitlin Brooks, Communications and Outreach Intern