The University of Houston is giving its campus community the green light to reduce waste and increase recycling.
This spring, UH's sustainability initiatives will be showcased during RecycleMania. This fun and friendly competition between colleges and universities nationwide promotes recycling and other green habits through a host of events.
UH kicks off its participation in the contest on Wednesday, Jan. 20. The competition will run through March 27.
During RecycleMania, participating universities will report recycling data weekly. At the contest's conclusion, schools will be ranked according to the largest amount of recyclables per capita, the largest amount of total recyclables, the least amount of trash per capita and the highest recycling rate.
UH recycled 33 percent of its total waste during last year's RecycleMania contest. The university finished in third place in Texas and was ranked at number 72 of 518 participating colleges.
The primary events at RecycleMania will include:
11:30 a.m., Jan. 20, University Center (UC) Satellite: Kick-off Pep Rally
The Spirit of Houston Cougar Marching Band and Cheerleaders will kick off RecycleMania with an old-fashioned spirit rally. Faculty, staff and students can learn more about UH's sustainability initiatives and how they can help UH earn top honors in this year's competition.
11 a.m., Feb. 2 - 3, UC Satellite and Philip Guthrie Hoffman Hall: Green Commuter Fair.
METRO representatives will visit campus to answer commuting questions, and students can sign up for discounted Q Cards that can be used for riding rail and buses.
11 a.m., Feb. 11, Cougar Woods: Campus Garden Dedication
The Campus Community Garden will be dedicated at its new location.
11 a.m., March 10, RecycleMania Olympics, Butler Plaza (in front of UH's M.D. Anderson Library)
Participants will compete in games using recycled materials.
11 a.m., March 23, University Center: Art of Recycling Contest
Aspiring artists can showcase their talents using recycled Coca-Cola cans and bottles, as well as other materials.
Noon, March 30, UC Satellite: Closing Ceremony
UH will celebrate its sustainability recycling and waste minimization totals.
For more information regarding UH's green initiatives, visit www.uh.edu/af/greenUH.