Written by Sarah Kyle
With the end of the semester drawing near, Aramark Facility Services Director Greg Tatera has some last minute tips for how students can have a ‘greener’ holiday season.
Similar to the donation boxes put in dorm lobbies at the end of each school year, Tatera said donation and recycling boxes will be placed in each dorm lobby for cleaning items and personal care items— such as shampoo and soap, clothing, office supplies, non-perishable food and furniture.
Tatera said all items are being donated to various local organizations. Cleaning and personal care items will be donated to White County Foster Parents Association, clothing and office supplies will be donated to Searcy Children’s Home re-sale store, non-perishable food will be donated to local food pantries and furniture to Habitat for Humanity.
Tatera added that all shoes donated in the clothing box will be taken out and donated to the “Saving Soles” project, which donates shoes and Bibles to people in the Philippines.
Students should place unusable items in Dumpsters that will be placed near the dorms this weekend.
Tatera asked that students remember the traditional break check-list and turn off all lights and appliances, unplug chargers and unused power strips, ensure windows are closed, report broken windows, doors, water leaks, etc., adjust the thermostat to 68 degrees in applicable dorms, remove trash and recycle any applicable items.
For students who have reusable to-go containers or other dishes from the cafeteria, permanent recycling containers will be set up in each dormitory.
“We want everyone to think green over Christmas: think green in what they are purchasing and green in what they bring back,” Tatera said.
He added that plans are in place to add more bike racks to campus, so students will be able to ‘go green’ by biking around rather than driving.
