Plastics recycling ideas wanted

February 17, 2014

Cornerstone

The university has money to fund projects related to recycling plastic and to other actions that make UAF a more sustainable campus.

The Review of Infrastructure, Sustainability and Energy Board and the Office of Sustainability will give preference to projects that support the spring 2014 theme, "recycling plastics in the far North." However, any project may be funded.

Plastics thrown in landfills represents an economic loss. Plastics also emit greenhouse gases, poison soil and water and create numerous other problems. 

In 2011, the United States generated 32 million tons of plastic waste, of which only 8 percent, about 2.6 million tons, was recycled. This leaves 29.4 million tons still hanging out, poisonous and stationary. That was only one year's worth of one variety of solid waste.

Recently, the only recycling facility located in Fairbanks stopped accepting plastic. The RISE Board and the Sustainability Office want proposals that can help solve the problem at UAF. Help create a zero-waste future and make a difference on campus.

Learn more about funding your project at https://www.uaf.edu/sustainability/rise/currentproposals/.