Athletics, sustainability combine for recycling improvements

Posted on Feb 21 2013 - 9:20pm by Lacey Russell

The University of Mississippi’s Athletics Department and Office of Sustainability are working together to create a cleaner, more earth-friendly environment for this year’s baseball season.

The University of Mississippi’s Athletics Department and the Office of Sustainability have joined forces to add new recycling receptacles to the stadiums.
Anne McCauley, assistant director of the Office of Sustainability, said that through these recycling options, they hope to encourage care of the environment outside of the sports events.
“We want students outside the sport events to make it a habit to recycle,” McCauley said.

“It should feel unnatural not to recycle.”
Joe Swingle, associate athletics director for facilities and game operations, said that two simple recycling systems are in the process of implementation.
“Fan cans,” red recycling trash cans decorated to look like baseball helmets, will be placed at the entrances of Oxford-University Stadium/Swayze Stadium on campus and should soon be seen across the athletic facilities on campus, according to Swingle.

Cans and recyclables are also being collected with clear bags sourced from recycled plastics.
Swingle said he thinks people will take advantage of the recycling opportunities.
“If they have that choice and it’s in front of them, they will do what’s right for the environment and recycle,” Swingle said.
To get involved in the green movement on campus, support the recycling initiatives at sporting events and visit the university’s Office of Sustainability website to learn more.