The campus took one more step towards a greener initiative recently with the installation of two brand new recycling kiosks called the “Greenopolis Recycling Systems” in the Student Center and the MAC.
Not too long ago, the University was selected by The Princeton Review as a 2012 Green College. According to the University’s website, “Monmouth University has contributed in many ways to making our planet greener and more environmentally friendly. We are committed to pursuing green initiatives on campus, and all of us here –from administrators to students – are active participants in this mission.”
The University community is able to approach a kiosk and immediately start recycling. The interface is simple to use and interact with. Not only is simplicity found in using the machine, but in spreading awareness about its presence on campus as well.
Vice President for Student Services, Mary Anne Nagy is optimistic about the new addition to an already energy and recycling efficient campus. “I think it is great for all of us to share in the responsibility of keeping our campus green,” she said.
When asked about the awareness of the machines to students, Nagy said that they were installed while most were away from campus, but she has confidence that students will quickly learn and get behind their use.
The Recycling Kiosks have been provided by Waste Management and are in conjunction with Greenopolis. The machines located on campus have a simple concept, but still manage to pick up a couple of stares from across the room when in use.
“I walked into the cafeteria and watched some guy put a plastic bottle into this big monster,” said Katie Meyer, a senior Communication TV/Radio major. “I didn’t know what it was at first.”
The recycling machines are located in the Rebecca Stafford Student Center and the MAC.
Patti Swannack, Vice President for Administrative Services, says that there are multiple ways to get involved with using the machines on campus. “Participation can be on an individual basis or can be used to fundraise for clubs, sororities or other groups.”
Taking steps towards becoming a more efficient individual has its advantages. Signing up for a rewards card either at a kiosk or online allows the individual to keep track of their recycling and earn more out of the experience. Simply enter an email, create a username and password and complete some demographical information questions.
According to the Greenopolis website, “Greenopolis pays you back for closing the loop by awarding points each time you use the… system to recycle, reuse, or conserve your personal resources.” Points earned can be redeemed for “discounts and coupons for entertainment, dining, travel, personal services and much more.” According to the Greenopolis website, “it only takes 100 points to earn a reward for eligible activities.” Outside of the machine itself, there are also opportunities to earn points towards rewards. For example sharing experiences and ideas about recycling on Greenopolis.com.
“The concept is really cool, it’s a smart idea,” said Anna Chamberlain, a junior public relations/ journalism major, “It promotes recycling and people will be less inclined to throw away their recyclables through the rewards, I hope it gets a bigger following.”
Feedback from the installation of the machines is met with positivity. “On an environmentally conscious campus like Monmouth, the response to the machines has been great,” said Swannack.
The machine accepts aluminum and plastic. It also encourages it’s users to “think green,” as written on the side of the machine itself.
With each machine being $2,225 there are high hopes for the use of them in both locations. For more information about the machines and Greenopolis, visit them in the MAC or Student Center. Also, visit http://www.greenopolis. com. To find out more about the University’s green initiatives, visit https://www.monmouth.edu/about/green.
