Eastern Illinois University Sustainability - What You Can Do -- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

In FY10, nearly 3.2 million pounds of waste was created on Eastern's campus. Thanks to the voluntary efforts of more than 13,000 students, faculty and staff, however, almost 35 percent of that waste was recycled. Since the its recycling program was established in 1992, EIU has increased recycling from 10.1 percent to 34.6 percent . . . but we can still do better. Below you will find tips on how we can increase our sustainability at EIU via the simple principles of reduce, reuse and recycle.

• Put nonsensitve waste paper in the paper recycling bins found in and around the EIU campus. Recycling paper instead of making it from new material generates 74 percent less air pollution and uses 50 percent less water. Producing recycled paper requires about 60 percent of the energy used to make paper from virgin wood pulp.
• Recycle aluminum cans in one of many specially marked containers on the EIU campus. Recycling aluminum saves 95 percent of the energy necessary for producing new aluminum from raw materials.
• When possible, set your printer for double-sided printing. This will cut costs and reduce the amount needed to recycle.
• Use reusable plates, cups and silverware at home and in the office. Also, invest in a reusable coffee mug. EIU's on-campus coffee shop, Java B & B, offers a 20 percent per cup discount when using your own mug.
• Instead of throwing away unwanted office supplies EIU employees can bring them to the Surplus Office Supply Store. Located on the east side of Central Receiving, it offers reams of paper, toner, legal file hangers, etc. (quantity is limited). For information, contact Ryan Siegel at 217-581-8395.