Friday, Aug. 26 was move-in day for approximately 4,700 new students who made the San Diego State University residence halls their new homes.
With the population of a small city moving to a college campus, most would expect waste to be very high.
That was not the case.
Thanks to a concentrated effort from campus collaborators, SDSU recycled 98.6 percent of the boxes and plastic used to move freshmen into the residence halls, continuing the university's commitment to sustainability.
"This is an important step toward being a zero-waste campus," said
Tom Abram, assistant director of campus sustainability. "Getting recycling right at move-in sets the stage for student recycling efforts down the road.”
Associated Students,
Housing Administration staff, students and EDCO Disposal Corporation collaborated to make move-in day a success. Campus officials hope the successful move-in will set the standard for the rest of the year and pave the way for a sustainable move-out. Last year during move-out, SDSU recycled close to four tons, sent 13 tons of reusables to the Disabled American Veterans, and more than two tons of food to the San Diego Food Bank. The food donations provided 3,287 meals.
“As a higher education institution, sustainability is especially important,” Abram said. “We must be role models for student leaders who will make their own positive impact on the planet.”