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Recycle America representative discusses principles of recycling at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½×îаæÏÂÔØ University

Lisa Benoit, education coordinator for Recycle America (a division of Waste Management), delivered a presentation entitled “Principles of Recycling” on Nov. 11 at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½×îаæÏÂÔØ University, where she explored the following question. In today’s on-going pursuit of true sustainability, how does one begin to understand that each individual plays an integral part in this ever-changing system?

Benoit educated the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½×îаæÏÂÔØ community about the behind the scenes of a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). She also identified the principles of recycling, emphasizing the importance of reducing, reusing, recycling and recovering. Throughout her presentation, Benoit explained how every person makes critical decisions each day that directly impact the management of waste. Because humans create garbage, more environmentally-friendly choices must be made.

Although it might be easier to throw everything in the garbage can, Benoit assured her listeners that recycling materials does make a difference. Curbside pickup was implemented in an effort to increase recycling, making it more convenient for people. Composting is also beneficial for the environment, although only organic material will decompose, as Benoit clarified.

She proposed that reducing, reusing, recycling and recovering will save space, energy and money. The Recycle America representative encouraged her audience to reconsider printing out emails as opposed to simply viewing them on the computer screen. Likewise, Benoit shared that she tries to use cloth towels instead of paper towels. When resources are used wisely and to their full potential, they can be more valuable than many people think. She said one aluminum can could produce enough energy to power a television for several hours.

This event was one of twelve events hosted by ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½×îаæÏÂÔØ University as part of its Common Reader series, designed to complement Elizabeth Royte’s “Garbage Land.” The novel focuses on environmental waste, its generation and its disposal. The series includes feature and documentary films, hands-on workshops, lectures and panel discussions by ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½×îаæÏÂÔØ faculty and outside speakers. This event was also as a part of ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½×îаæÏÂÔØ University’s Arts & Ideas Program, providing cultural and educational programming for students and the community. For additional information, please contact Dr. Michael Cunningham, Director of Arts & Ideas, at (815) 836-5385.

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½×îаæÏÂÔØ University is a Catholic university offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 6,000 traditional and adult students. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½×îаæÏÂÔØ offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessibility and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½×îаæÏÂÔØ prepares ethically grounded, globally aware, and socially responsible graduates. The ninth largest not-for-profit university in Illinois, ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½×îаæÏÂÔØ has been nationally recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report.