By Joseph Altman Jr.
Arizona Daily Wildcat
The 25th anniversary of Earth Day is tomorrow, but celebration events are already underway.
Facilities Management announced the winners of the University of Arizona's Fourth Annual Recycling Recognition Awards yesterday which prove efforts in recycling not only save the environment, but save money as well.
The Recycling Award of Honor was given to the Grounds Department of Facilities Management. The department has participated in a "campus green waste program." The program has two parts, the sale of firewood and composting.
Since 1992, truckloads of tree branches and trucks have been cut to firewood size and sold at public auction for a total of $1,680. Savings in landfill fees because of the sales totals an additional $7,150.
In 1993, the department also began composting leaves, palm fronds and trimmings, saving $2,985 in landfill fees.
Sharon Aller, recycling program coordinator, said the Grounds Department took possession of a plaque that will be passed to the mid
winner of the award each year.
Eight other awards were presented for contributions in waste reduction, material reuse and recycling programs on campus.
The recipients were:
Andrew Whiteman, an exhibit specialist at the Arizona State Museum; Student Union Dining Services; Robert Higgins, a Facilities Management electrician; the department of chemistry; the office of the summer session; Jimmi Robb, facility manager for the college of education; Robert Alvarado, employee in custodial services; and Alana Levine, recycling coordinator for the Department of Residence Life.
In celebration of Earth Day, Education by Example and the Recycling Office will be hosting activities on the Mall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today. Booths will be set up, representing proactive organizations.
Levine, who is also coordinating today's events, said the goal is to be "as proactive as possible Ä letter signing, petition signing and doing things in the community and on campus."