ESU’s Go Green Committee Honored for Environmental Outreach Initiatives

Posted by: admin on April 30, 2014, No Comments

East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania’s Go Green Committee was honored with the Environmental Committee Save Our Planet Award from the Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce on Friday, April 25, at The Chateau Resort & Conference Center.

The Save Our Planet Awards recognize local businesses, non-profit organizations, institutions, groups and individuals for their commitment to protecting or improving Monroe County’s environment.

ESU’s Go Green Committee has been dedicated to promoting awareness about sustainability and environmental issues for more than eight years. The student committee strives to make ESU and the greater Poconos an environmentally friendly place to live by promoting best practices in sustainably.

The committee’s programs, which are developed on campus and designed to benefit students, faculty and staff who live in the Poconos, include educational initiatives, volunteer opportunities and contests aligned with ESU’s sustainability goals.

In an effort to reduce the use of plastic water bottles, a new campaign was initiated this year that promotes the use of reusable water bottles. The campaign included bulletin board contests, reusable water bottle giveaways, tap water versus bottled water tasting, promotional materials, electronic billboard campaigns and a “trade in your bottled water bottle for a reusable bottle” promotion.

Smart energy usage was promoted in collaboration with PPL promotions that included CFL light bulb giveaways and educational information on smart energy use.

Recycling is at the heart of the Go Green Committee.  The committee recycles ink cartridges, batteries, athletic shoes, assists with relabeling of recyclable containers and participates in bi-weekly clean-ups. “Green” basket giveaways are also popular at events.

The committee has partnered with the ESU Recycling Committee to assist with the litter control project “Cash for Trash.” Committee members went “undercover” and rewarded students who were observed picking up litter. Students who picked up and properly disposed of litter had a chance to win prizes.