Katelyn Wilburn, Campus Carrier staff writer
Berry students are working towards a future with less waste, committing to further sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives. Berry’s Eco Club has been working on their Recycle With Love campaign, raising awareness and helping students reuse and recycle materials they don’t normally think about recycling.
“We strive to unite the community in pursuing low-waste, climate-conscious, and mutualistic relationships with the Earth.,” junior Myriam Saldarriaga, president of Eco Club, said. “We are being an advocate for our community, and when people come to us saying they want more Eco-based solutions, that’s where we come in.”
The Recycle With Love Campaign has raised awareness in many ways, but one of the most apparent is the chalk that is on sidewalks around campus, encouraging students to recycle and take care of the Earth. This has been an increasingly noticeable initiative, as the chalk is scattered all across Berry’s main campus and not just in front of recycling bins.
“I have seen people stop and look because it’s everywhere and not just right in front of Krannert,” Saldarriaga said.
Even though recycling is a very important part of sustainability, there are many other ways to prevent over-consumption.
“There’s still a lot of stuff that’s getting manufactured, so a lot of my daily activities [center around] reducing consumption in general,” junior Connor Coltrane said. “It’s best to do as little as you can to impact the environment as a consumer.”
Students have taken notice of the Eco Club’s efforts, such as Annalise Hingst, a freshman.
One of the Recycle With Love chalk
messages, located outside Krannert.
“I first noticed last week around Thursday,” Hingst said. “I like that it is raising awareness, especially if you are not interested in environmental science as your studies, the chances that you are aware of every action you can take are less likely. It is good to raise awareness for the campus as a whole, because everyone can do their part.”
Being environmentally friendly involves more than just recycling. Saldarriaga has different ways she reduces her daily waste.
“A lot of solutions you see on the Internet are very drastic to [everyday] lifestyle, so not everyone can just bike to work, and not everyone can afford to not use AC or heating frequently,” Saldarriaga said. “I love to thrift when my clothes wear out and are no longer remendable. I hate single-use plastic. Another thing is turning off the lights if you’re in your dorm room and you leave.”
Not only can things be done in day-to-day life, but small businesses across campus make an effort to reduce waste as well. Freshman Alexis Gallimore, who owns “ReThreaded and Vintage,” thrifts old clothes and upcycles them into fun and unique styles for everyone to enjoy.
“With ReThreaded, I go and thrift very specific pieces that kind of have the same style and everything,” Gallimore said. “I just like to find the potential in things, and I like to upcycle clothes”
There are many benefits to recycling clothes, as fast fashion has become a major contributor to overconsumption and waste in today’s world.
“I chose to only do recycled goods because that stuff is things people don’t want,” Gallimore said. “It was donated and sent to a thrift store for a reason. At the end of the day, if no one buys it from the thrift stores, it is still gonna end up in the trash. Fast fashion is a trend I don’t support at all.”
There are many reasons to help the environment. From cleaner water to fresher air, Earth is the world we need to take care of for personal safety, community safety and recreation. There are many ways to help the Recycle With Love campaign. One can start with recycling, or even go as far as to join the Eco Club. If interested in joining the chalk team, email Myriam Saldarriaga at myriam.saldarriaga@vikings.berry.edu.