by Tara Hardy ’12
Two years ago, the University of North Carolina Wilmington paid for the removal of recyclable materials from campus. Now, thanks to an innovative new program, UNCW is plugged in to profits for its recyclable materials and is the only major entity east of I-95 getting paid. This is one of countless improvements that have been made to increase sustainable practices on campus and educate students, faculty and staff on how to minimize waste since the formation of the Sustainability Committee in 2007. “As an educational institution, UNCW needs to be a leader in responsible use and management of resources,” said Jack Hall, chair of the Department of Environmental Studies. “Many people think sustainability is for ‘tree huggers.’ But as we face shortages and higher prices for resources, everyone needs to be involved.” Stan Harts ’89, ’98M, director of environmental health and safety, and Diane Reed, assistant director of the UNCW Career Center, co-chair the committee which strives to make UNCW a leader in sustainable practices. Its mission is to “promote and facilitate the cooperative efforts of faculty, students, and staff to educate, develop values, share knowledge, adopt policies and implement practices that are sustainable.” Seven subcommittees include representatives from departments all over campus, allowing it to impact every aspect of campus life.
fall 2012
UNCW Magazine
17