Recycling at Lewis

In the spirit of knowledge, wisdom, fidelity, justice, and association, Lewis University is committed to making a significant reduction in our ecological footprint on campus as well as the world.

A directive from the Lewis University Administration and President Br. James Gaffney initiated the expansion of the campus recycling program. The expanded program was made possible by a $60,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity which was written by Solid Waste Solutions Corp. who monitors waste and recycling on campus.

In order to support and develop the initiative, the Recycling Committee was formed and then succeeded by the University Environment and Energy Conservation Council (UEECC), which is currently represented by students, staff and faculty.

Since its commencement, the program has sponsored two major events: Greenapalooza (last November’s recycling kickoff event in the Field House), and the Earth Day Celebration event held in conjunction with the Lewis University Birthday Bash.

In other efforts to increase awareness and connectivity among an increasingly environmentally conscious community, the program has also sponsored an Arts & Ideas presentation "Recycling: Why Bother?” as well as a campus clean-up day in coalition with the “Stand Up for Your Rights” week.

So how can recycling at Lewis University reduce our footprint?

Recycling protects natural resources, such as trees and water, and reduces our demand for energy resources, such as fossil fuels, while transforming waste into resource, so join us to reduce waste and help preserve our environment.

Each year Lewis University has increased the amount of recyclables diverted from landfills.  Since 2007, the community has diverted:

  • over 95.27 tons of recyclables from landfills in 2007.
  • over 126.69 tons of recyclables from landfills in 2008.
  • over 133.97 tons of recyclables from landfills in 2009.
  • over 108.68 tons of recyclables from landfills by September 2010.

Please unite in Lewis University’s commitment to the three R's of waste management: recycle, reduce, and reuse.

And remember that everything you recycle makes a big difference, regardless how small it is!