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“Recycling is not just something we want to do;
it is something we need to do,” Laing said. “We have more than
20 bins for paper recycling and a 16ft trailer for cardboard
recycling. The program has been very successful in its three
years, and we have increased our efforts to include donating our
shredded paper to the Cherokee County Animal Shelter for their
use as bedding for the animals.”
The
College was commended by the Cherokee County Government in
spring 2006 on its recycling efforts. “Reinhardt College is a
shining example to the community of how great things can happen
when dedicated people work together to help protect the earth,”
said Stan Hall, former environmental coordinator for the County.
In 2006, Cherokee County recycled more than 1200 tons of paper
which resulted in saving 31,425 trees, 5,028,000 kilowatt-hours
of electricity, and 8,799,000 gallons of water.
Xeriscaping to Educate the Community
The Funk Heritage Center at Reinhardt is encouraging the
community to learn about water conservation. The Xeriscape at
the Funk Center is being developed as an outside learning
environment that shows landscapers, gardeners and the community
how to create a landscape that is drought-resistant and requires
little watering.
“We
share a common commitment with the Upper Etowah River Alliance
to provide educational opportunities for children and adults to
learn about water conservation and how to address water-related
environmental concerns,” said Dr. Joseph Kitchens, executive
director of the Funk Heritage Center. “Our landscape, when
completed, will include native plants and systems to filter and
retain water on site. Last year's drought influenced our
decision to make dry-conditions gardening the focus of our
gardening seminar this year.”
The
community is invited to attend Gardening in Northwest
Georgia, a seminar that will provide solutions for dealing
with the drought and will feature the Xeriscape, on April 26
from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Funk Heritage Center. Visit
www.reinhardt.edu/funkheritage/gardenevent.htm for more
information. Registration is not required and seating is
limited.
Reinhardt's Earth Day Events
Earth Day is April 22, and the Reinhardt community is hosting
a full day of events to educate students, faculty and staff
about protecting the environment and “going green.” Reinhardt’s
Earth Day events include:
(From 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
·
The Recycled Art Contest in the Jewell Wyatt
Bannister ’40 Glasshouse. Students can showcase their
recyclables in any art form.
·
A Voter Registration station for all Cherokee
County residents in the Glasshouse. The power of the vote can
save the environment!
·
The Flower Planting event on the Hasty Lawn.
Students can plant drought-resistant flowers into pots.
·
A “Go Organic” taste test in the Glasshouse.
Participants will get the chance to compare organic and
non-organic foods.
·
An Energy and Water Conservation display in the
Glasshouse. Information in handouts and brochures will be
available.
(From 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.)
·
College nature trail clean-up. Dr. Steven Powers,
assistant professor of biology, and members of the College’s
biology honor society, Beta Beta Beta, will clean the nature
trail on the College campus.
“At
Reinhardt, we celebrate Earth Day every
day,” said Zach White, Reinhardt’s horticulturist.
“Dr. James R. Burgess, Jr. [Reinhardt’s President from 1944-73]
said that we should strive every day to make Reinhardt a better
place when we leave the campus than when we arrived. I believe
that we are accomplishing this and more as we seek to better the
Reinhardt campus by educating our community and investing our
time to protect the environment.” |
