ATU-Ozark announces RecycleMania results

Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus recycled 4,400 pounds of materials during RecycleMania, a friendly eight-week competition in which college campuses across the country see who can reduce, reuse and recycle the most on-campus waste.

RecycleMania began in 2001 through a partnership between Keep America Beautiful, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Wastewise program and the College and University Recycling Coalition.

Between the Feb. 3 kickoff and the tournament’s final day on March 30, participating schools collectively recovered 90.3 million pounds of recyclables and organic materials, preventing the release of nearly 121,436 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2E) into the atmosphere, according to RecycleMania.

“RecycleMania is an excellent opportunity to elevate awareness for students, staff and faculty. We’re committed to instilling a sustainability culture in our students so they can take those values with them when they go out into the workplace,” said Community Outreach Director Laura Rudolph.

In May, most students graduating from at ATU-Ozark will walk with “green transcripts,” the culmination of a unique concept to instill sustainability-intensive coursework into every program of study.

Green transcript diplomas and certificates will be awarded to an estimated 75% of May graduates, all of whom have taken at least 12 credit hours with enhanced environmental principles incorporated into the class material.