The University of Houston is consistently recognized as being one of the greenest campuses in the United States. Following the success of the Sustainability Fest, that should continue to hold true.

During the event, which was held Wednesday, Nov. 13, in Lynn Eusan Park, more than 225 students, faculty and staff voluntarily filled out pledge cards to reduce their personal waste by recycling. The "Take the Pledge" program is a nationwide initiative of Keep America Beautiful. Those who filled out the pledge cards committed to recycling a wide range of materials, from paper to plastic, to aluminum cans to glass.

"To have so many people from within the UH community pledge to make a difference in the world by recycling more is absolutely wonderful,"said Maria Honey, the assistant director of marketing and communications for University Services. "It exemplifies just what a caring and responsible campus we have."

The fest, which was organized by the UH Office of Sustainability, is an annual event that celebrates all the sustainability efforts happening on campus. The first 100 students who attended were given a free sustainability T-shirt, compliments of the Office of Sustainability and Auxiliary Services.

Several hundred people attended the event and were able to play games, receive some giveaway items and enjoy a free hot dog, all while mingling and talking with representatives from numerous departments and groups who incorporate sustainability activities in their operations. In addition, students and staff from the UH Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences prepared and launched a weather balloon during the fest.