Defiance College awarded Recycling Grant
June 21, 2013
DEFIANCE, Ohio – When Defiance College students return to campus in August, they will see reminders of the importance of recycling with the strategic placement of numerous bright blue recycling bins, courtesy of a Coca-Cola Foundation and Keep America Beautiful partnership grant recently awarded to Defiance College. Defiance is one of only three colleges and universities in Ohio and only 40 across the country to receive a 2013 grant under this program.
The student group DC Recycles took a leadership role in applying for the grant. Led by Ian Fasnacht, a junior from Strongsville, Ohio, the group conducts a peer-led recycling program within the college’s residence halls throughout the academic year. The recyclable materials are processed through local collection outlets.
DC Recycles is part of Project 701, the college’s student-run nonprofit organization. All profits from the recycling efforts go to support the Backpack Buddy Program.
“Defiance College continues to make great strides in becoming greener and greener,” said DC President Mark C. Gordon. “Over the past several years, we have installed energy-efficient outdoor lighting around campus, upgraded the energy efficiency of numerous boilers and heating and cooling systems, installed solar heating for water in the George M Smart Athletic Center, and implemented numerous additional energy savings measures. This grant is another small step forward in our continuing transformation into a national leader in environmental and energy efficiency.”
Dr. Ken Wetstein, vice president for student affairs, said, “I am excited that DC Recycles has been selected for this grant from the Coca-Cola Foundation and Keep America Beautiful. These bins will enhance the peer-led recycling activities of this dedicated group of students.” The Office of Student Life partners with DC Recycles to improve the recycling efforts on campus.
The Coca-Cola/Keep American Beautiful Recycling Bin Grant Program supports recycling on college and university campuses by providing bins to selected grant recipients for the collection of beverage container recyclables. Grants are provided to a limited number of applicants who demonstrate how their proposals will lead to sustainable recycling opportunities.
Defiance College, chartered in 1850, is an independent, liberal arts institution in Northwest Ohio offering more than 40 undergraduate programs of study as well as graduate programs in education and business. Defiance College has received national recognition for its educational experience of service and engagement. The college website is www.defiance.edu.
