REthinking recycling

Maggie Galloway, a co-founder of REthink Wisconsin, and I recently met to discuss REthink’s initiatives for the fall semester.

For those who have not heard, REthink Wisconsin was founded in September 2007 by a group of students interested in facilitating sustainable waste management practices on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus.  What started as a group of six individuals has transformed itself into a coalition of over thirty active volunteers.

REthink is most known for its recycling efforts in Camp Randall Football Stadium.  Early in 2008, REthink and the University of Wisconsin Athletic Department explored ways to make Badger football game days more sustainable.  What emerged after much discussion and deliberation was the “Wear Red, Think Green” campaign.

The program has two main goals: to divert waste from landfills and to educate the Madison community about environmental issues.  Through the help of volunteers, REthink is able to achieve these goals.

If you’ve been to a Bager game recently, you’ve probably seen multiple individuals donning blue “Wear Red, Think Green” t-shirts.  These volunteers spend each game collecting and sorting plastic bottles into appropriate recycling containers.

Clearly, their efforts have been working.

“During the 2008 Football season, volunteers collected 2,760 lbs of plastic bottles.  From the first 5 games of the 2009 season, volunteers have collected 6,000 lbs of plastic bottles,” said Maggie.

And the season isn’t over yet.  Two games still remain—October 31 (vs. Purdue) and November 14 (vs. Michigan).  If you haven’t had a chance to volunteer with REthink, consider lending a hand at either of these games.  For more information about REthink Wisconsin and to volunteer your time, please visit www.REthinkwisconisn.org.