FAQs

Sustainability 101

1. What is sustainability, and why is it important to Georgia College?
   A widely accepted definition of sustainability was posited by the Brundtland Commission who noted that “sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.” Sustainability efforts are typically measured using Triple Bottom Line accounting – ie, how do the efforts affect the people, planet, and profits of an organization. Therefore, as you can imagine, sustainability is a very large practice area requiring input from a multitude of stakeholders. This is why the Office of Sustainability has adopted the theme “Sustainability is for Everyone.” Sustainability efforts on the Georgia College campus can help us reduce our environmental footprint and also provide bottom line benefits; and we need your help.

 

2. How can I get involved in sustainability efforts on campus?
   There are many ways that you can be involved with our efforts to make Georgia College a more sustainable campus. The Office of Sustainability is always seeking volunteers and interns to assist with our events and projects. If you have an idea for a sustainability project you would like to see implemented on campus, you can submit a proposal to the Sustainability Council; and we encourage our students to attend Sustainability Council meetings held monthly. In addition, clubs such as the Gardening Club and Environmental Science Club are always welcoming new members. For more information, please contact sustaingc@gcsu.edu.

 

3. Where can I find the Office of Sustainability, and how can I contact them?
   The Office of Sustainability is located upstairs in the Miller Court building at 302 N. Wayne Street, Milledgeville, GA 31061. You can always email sustaingc@gcsu.edu or call Lori Strawder, Chief Sustainability Officer (478-445-7016) or Kristen Hitchcock, Sustainability Coordinator (478-445-8659).

 

Recycling at Georgia College

1. Why did Georgia College introduce a campus-wide recycling program?
   As an institution that values Reason, Respect, and Responsibility, Georgia College strives to be good stewards of our environmental resources. In application, this translates into increasing recycling and reducing waste production. A recent audit determined that more than 66 percent of what we throw away is recyclable material. We want to make it easier to recycle what is the bulk of what we throw away so as to redirect this material from the landfill where it currently goes. In addition, this recycling plan allows us to be both environmentally and fiscally responsible.

 

2. Has this approach to recycling been implemented with success on other university campuses?
   Yes. Clemson is a great example of this type of program operating successfully. In developing our recycling plan, considerable research was gathered and Georgia College has utilized what is considered to be best practices from across the nation in the implementation of our plan.

 

3. Who was involved in the development of this recycling plan?
   This plan was developed and endorsed by a committee comprised of faculty, staff and students who represent the Sustainability Council, the Sustainability Office, Plant Operations, University Housing and the Student Green Fee.

 

4. Why is a recycling bin better than a trash can?
   It reflects our values. In addition, trash cans need to be serviced once a day to prevent unpleasant odor and deter pests. Recycling bins only need to be serviced weekly because it is dry materials such as paper, cardboard or plastic. Because 66 percent of what we throw away is recyclable, we have swapped recycling bins for trash cans. Central trash bins will be added and replace centralized recycling bins.

 

5. What materials are recyclable?
   • Cardboard
   • Paperboard
   • Paper (office paper, mail items)
   • Plastics #1 and #2
   • Metal cans (tin/steel/aluminum)

 

6. Do I need to separate recyclable materials?
   No. Georgia College uses single stream recycling. All recycling is co-mingled until it is taken off campus for processing by our waste disposal vendor.

 

7. Where should I take bulk recycling?
   If you have a large amount of recycling, it should be taken to a recycling center, typically located on every floor in each academic and administrative building. You can also contact recycle@gcsu.edu for assistance with bulk recycling.

 

8. Where does our recycling go?
   All recyclables and trash are collected from campus buildings and dispersed to the designated GC Recycling Centers. From there Advanced Disposal Services in Milledgeville, GA (www.advanceddisposal.com) collects the recyclable materials and take them to Attaway Recycling. For more details about this process, please contact recycle@gcsu.edu or the Chief Sustainability Officer, Lori Strawder, at 478-445-7016.

 

9. Where can I learn more about recycling at Georgia College?
   Please refer to the Materials and Recovery portion of this website for information on current recycling practices. If you still have questions, email the recycling team at recycle@gcsu.edu or contact the Office of Sustainability at the email and phone numbers given above.

 

10. I have been collecting used batteries for the department and it is time that I empty my container.  Many years ago, I believe  I carried them to Radio Shack.  Do you know of a place nearby where I can take them?
    Rechargeable Lithium, Ni-MH,  NiCd, and auto/truck batteries should be recycled at Radio Shack here in Milledgeville or Buddy’s Recycling for the big batteries (you can actually get more than a few dollars for car batteries!).  Alkaline (one-use) batteries are hard to recycle, and it may be a while for there to be a process for that (See http://willtaft.com/there-may-be-no-need-to-recycle-alkaline-batteries/).  If you do want to recycle one-use batteries, you might be able to send them away for collection (See http://ehso.com/ehshome/batteries.php).