NORTHEAST – Ivy Tech Community College − Northeast is taking steps to become a more environmentally friendly institution. One of the prominent green initiatives is the college’s recent move to single-stream recycling, which was made possible by a donation of more than 500 bins from the City of Fort Wayne. The city moved to single-stream recycling this January and replaced previous tubs with rollaway recycle bins.

Single-stream recycling refers to a system where-by all recyclables are placed in the same container to be sorted by the waste hauler. This simplifies the process of recycling and the space needed to accomplish the task.

The single-stream recycling initiative involves a two-part rollout. The first part entailed placing recycling bins in all classrooms, accompanied by signage that explains what can be placed in the bins. A statement about the Green Initiative has also been made available to all college faculty, which they were encouraged to place on their syllabi. The second part of the initiative involves the purchasing and distribution of desk-side recycling containers for all employees. These are to be distributed in the upcoming weeks. The Allen County Solid Waste District has agreed to conduct a waste audit for Ivy Tech−Northeast in November to assist in honing the program.

“Ivy Tech Community College−Northeast is in a unique situation in having the ability to reach nearly 12,000 students and their families,” said Sheri Dunlavy, co-chair of the Ivy Tech Green Team and associate professor of Psychology. “By setting the example of sustainability and by teaching these principles, we have the ability to create ripples of progress throughout our community.  It is our responsibility to future generations to do our best to preserve our resources and value our planet.”

The Faculty Assembly has supported a grassroots effort over the past several years. Ivy Tech−Northeast Chancellor Jerrilee K. Mosier, Ed.D., formed the Green Team in November 2010 with the vision of creating a sustainable future. This committee is made up of seven members who represent diverse areas of the college. Green Team co-chairs are Sheri Dunlavy and James Aschliman. Along with the single-stream recycling initiative, the Green Team will be working on various other initiatives to work toward the goal of long-term sustainability.

For more information, contact Sheri Dunlavy at 260-480-2084 or sdunlavy@ivytech.edu.

Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system. Ivy Tech serves nearly 200,000 students annually and has campuses throughout Indiana. It functions as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.