Students at University of West Georgia gathered to create art from recycled bottles on Fri., Nov. 15. Stay West Weekends and Love Not Litter partnered to bring awareness about recycling. The event created a fun environment where students could listen to music, enjoy earth-themed food and beverages and create crafts together.
Love Not Litter is striving towards bringing awareness to students about recycling, going “green” and sustainability. “Auxiliary Services said that people are starting to put the correct items in the proper bins,” said Sandra Santiago, president of Giving Respect to Earth and Nature (GREAN). Containers have been placed around campus for cardboard, which furthers UWG’s efforts in being environmentally responsible.
Santiago hopes that students who are aware of recycling continue to recycle and promote recycling to fellow students whenever possible. “If a student sees another student throwing away a bottle in a trash can, they can inform the student that there are plastic recycling bins a few feet ahead,” said Santiago. Students can also support local businesses in the community who are trying to go “green” and be environmentally friendly.
Santiago said UWG is an arbor campus. According to www.arborday.org, if a campus meets five standards, then they will be recognized as an arbor campus. Standards include having a campus tree care plan, advisory committee, campus tree program, service learning project and a day of observance. “It’s a beautiful campus,” said Santiago. “Organizations work towards it. Campus facilities work towards it. UWG student council works towards it. It’s all for the students. It’s all for them.”
Prior Earth-awareness events have taken place at UWG, but on a smaller scale. Santiago hopes to partner with other student organizations in the upcoming semester for a huge Earth Day celebration. Students are welcome to become a member of GREAN and volunteer to help with future events.
For more information, go to www.westga.edu/ucm/index_16443.php or contact Sandra Santiago at lovenotlitter3@gmail.com.
