MANSFIELD, PA – Mansfield University has accepted a grant through the PepsiCo Recycling Zero Impact Fund for the purpose of implementing a new environmental sustainability program on campus. This award will be used to initiate a single-stream recycling system and a plan of action to become a zero-waste campus by 2025.
Project director Dr. Lee Stocks says, “The Pepsi Zero Waste Grant application was written as part of a larger initiative of increased sustainability on campus. The idea with this project is to cultivate a campus-wide recycling system and culture that will increase Mansfield University’s recycling rate while reducing waste and pollution and raising conservation awareness through education and outreach programs that will enable future generations of environmental stewards.” Dr. Stocks explains that single-stream recycling is a system where all recyclables, including paper, plastic, aluminum, cardboard, glass, etc., are placed in a single bin for recycling. This method creates positive social, economic, and environmental advantages over dual or multi-stream structures that separate recyclables. Implementing this system at Mansfield University will make recycling simple, providing the campus with only two options for waste: recycle or landfill.
In partnership with the Northern Tier Solid Waste Authority, the University will distribute bins in strategic campus-wide locations for the collection of recycling and food waste. Recycling literature, promotional, and educational materials will supplement the use of the bins. The University also plans to expand its composting facility to collect and integrate organic waste which will be redistributed as fertilizer. Waste audits indicate that as much as 60% of office consumer waste can be recycled and as much as 90% of dining service waste can be recycled or composted. Mansfield University’s passionate commitment to environmental awareness is the force behind its plan for a sustainable recycling program.
Through the new recycling initiative, Mansfield University intends to redirect its waste. By recovering 30% more recyclables through the single-stream recycling program, the campus will achieve a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, savings in gasoline usage, and will conserve enough additional energy to power 72 homes for an entire year.
The University is pleased to include students in this environmental, economic, and social impact initiative. Environmental science student Janie Ghods looks forward to helping and educating her peers and hopes that students will become more environmentally aware. She says, “By encouraging students to engage in this project, they become part of a growing commitment to achieve zero impact… they can bring this concept with them into their communities with the desire to take care of our planet.”
The PepsiCo Recycling Zero Impact Fund grant supports the Mansfield University commitment to environmental ethics and sustainability. Please contact Project Director Dr. Lee Stocks at lstocks@mansfield.edu with any questions or to find out how you can contribute to the success of this program.
