Dr. Hal Langford, dean of the college of business and technology, is having all of students in the Freshman Seminar class Critical Thinking (CBT111) place and monitor new recycling containers around campus as part of their class work.
The exercise is designed to acquaint and engage them with the campus, as part of an effort to assure their success here at Texas A&M University-Commerce. An added bonus is the greening of the campus. Plastic and aluminum beverage containers should be placed into these containers so they can be processed for recycling.
Daniel Hartman, a photography major, is assisting Langford in this new recycling effort by redeeming the aluminum containers. He is also seeking ways to recycle the plastic collected, as part of an independent study on waste and recycling for Environmental Toxicology (ENVS489-002).
Hartman also collects and recycles most other waste metals, as well as white paper and newspaper waste for his independent study.
The Pi of Texas Alumni Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society will continue the programs after the CBT111 classes are completed. Hartman will direct this phase of the operation as both a continuing part of his independent study and chair of the chapter’s service committee.
Ways to expand the program to campus student housing and the surrounding community are being explored.
Nearly one ton of recyclable materials has been collected by the combined programs in the short time since implementation, and a goal of redeeming $2,500 worth of recyclables has been set by Hartman. A new scholarship fund to benefit environmental science students has been established as the beneficiary of revenues received over operational costs from the project.
All staff, faculty, and students are encouraged to support this effort to benefit our environment, fellow students, and the University, by saving and donating their recyclable goods.
Everyone is encouraged to use the new recycling bins. Arrangements for pick up of large items or large amounts of aluminum cans and paper may be made by e-mail. Contact tamucanman@yahoo.com