Recyclemania Reaches OBU Campus

Many students at Oklahoma Baptist University may not yet be aware, but Bison Hill is in the midst of a battle to be recognized as the most "green" university in the country. "Recyclemania," is a contest between colleges and universities throughout the nation in which schools compete for the highest cumulative pounds of recyclables per person. This year marks the fourth time OBU has participated in the event.

The 2009 Recyclemania competition officially began Jan. 18 but, according to the competition's Web site at http://www.recyclemania.org/, the first two weeks were designated as a trial run so schools could learn how to collect and report their recycling and trash weights without the pressure of the formal competition. The emphasis runs through March 18.

Aramark, the international company that provides food and custodial services at OBU, has set up bins in nearly every building on campus as well as paper bins in every office. There are designated spots in the lobbies of dorms where cardboard can be dropped off.

More than 500 schools are registered to participate in the 2009 Recyclemania competition. Participating universities receive certificates from the Environmental Protection Agency, and winning universities receive trophies for their accomplishment.

Recycling on the OBU campus is not limited to Recyclemania, but is an ongoing process.

"We do this all year long, not just for the 10 weeks the competition lasts," said Rick Hail, supervisor of ARA custodial services at OBU. "Why stop when the competition ends? We can still help the environment by doing everything we can here. It is the environmentally right thing to do."