Despite its size, the Stevens undergraduate population keeps itself busy via various channels, most notably through Registered Student Organizations (RSOs). Each day, it is common to see multiple events in the various buildings on campus. Unfortunately, these events lead to a high volume of participants, which ultimately results in a large quantity of waste. In attempt to gauge interest in recycling effectiveness among RSOs, SAVE, or Students Against Violating the Earth, has released a survey and is hoping to determine a method of bettering recycling efforts on campus.
“Recycling at Stevens is currently ineffective because of both awareness and logistics problems,” said SAVE President Robert Whipple. “I think there is confusion about the single stream program, and about exactly what is recyclable.”
The survey, which is available on OrgSync, attempts to quantify the number of RSOs that understand what single stream recycling is (all paper, plastics, metals and other recyclables are mixed in one collection bin) as well as those that are seeking to recycle more effectively. “Stevens RSOs host tons of amazing events. Unfortunately, they tend to produce a substantial amount of waste [and] are not always focused on disposing it properly,” said Secretary of SAVE Johanna Pluymers. “We’d really like to help educate the student body and feel doing so through RSOs could be a great route.”
In addition to questions concerning what recycling is, the SAVE survey also asks questions that pertain to the organization’s plan to increase recycling effectiveness. “In the short term, SAVE would provide several recycling bins and one or two members to attend an event,” said Whipple. “They would ensure that the proper items are recycled […] and taken to one of the Waste Management bins on campus.”
Whipple noted that SAVE has discussed recycling and other green initiatives on campus with both the physical plant and administration, but implementation has been the most difficult part. SAVE hopes that the survey responses will give the organization a better idea as to how willing RSOs are to learn and contribute to the recycling efforts.
“In a recent documentary Rob and I watched about waste, the narrator made a point of how there is no ‘away.’ When you throw something ‘away,’ it goes directly to landfills and our oceans,” said Pluymers. “However, reducing your impact and trace on the environment can be very simple with the right tactics.”
Several RSOs have responded to the survey, but Whipple would like to see the number of responses increase. The survey is still available and can be found listed as “Event Recycling Management Survey – A SAVE Initiative” under the organization’s page on OrgSync.
