WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Oct. 16, 2017 — West Liberty University is focused on green as students, faculty and staff continue to strengthen its culture of sustainability.
“We are so excited about the future here at West Liberty University and sustainability. I believe we can accomplish some amazing changes as we continue to recycle, save energy and change some of our practices,” said Keith Kaczor, chairman of the Sustainability Committee and Trades Specialist Lead (HVAC) in the Physical Plant. Kaczor is always looking for a new trick to save energy and increase campus awareness of the need for green thinking.
From left, student intern Gage Sutton, Committee chairman Keith Kaczor, Professor Aron Massey, student intern Rose Archie, Professor Vishaka Maskey and student intern Joni Lake.
The committee he leads is divided into recycling, environmental education and sustainability subcommittees and each consists of faculty, staff and students. A continuation of the former President’s Council on Sustainability, the WLU green effort officially began in 2008.
Projects planned this year include a student recycling competition now going-on, continued student research and a new monthly Lunch and Learn programs for the entire campus community. Most recently, the lunch topic was water conservation.
The committee also started social media outreach and has established both a Twitter and Instagram page.
The project also gives interested students an in-depth knowledge of sustainable living. Students also are offered internships in three fields: recycling and social media, project research and funding and data and energy saving.
“This committee has opened my eyes to more ways we can help the environment. Being an environmentalist and an Eagle Scout, I grew up recycling, but there is more we can do,” said committee social media intern Gage Sutton from McMechen, W.Va. “Donating unwanted possessions and educating others can make a world of difference.”
Sutton is a senior majoring in geography. Prior to becoming an intern, he served as a Student Government representative for the Sustainability Committee and assisted professor Aron Massey in his annual shoe reuse drive.
Other student interns include Joni Lake, who looks at data and energy savings; and Rose Archey, who performs project research and funding.
Besides the new Lunch and Learns, the committee also created PSAs in the form of videos that are now running on WLU-TV Channel 14 and found on its web page. These are simple tips for everyday living like encouraging everyone to reuse grocery bags, buy used books and support local farmers’ markets.
The WLU Sustainability Campaign this year will culminate with Environmental Education Week in the spring. For updates, follow @wlurecycle on Twitter and Instagram.
SUSTAINABILITY MISSION STATEMENT: WLU is committed to environmental sustainability and stewardship. By working to create a cleaner environment through a campus-wide recycling program, the application of earth-friendly technology and practices, education and community outreach initiatives, and responsible strategic planning, we will provide students with the knowledge and skills to be environmentally responsible citizens.
For more information, please contact Kaczor at 304-312-9956.
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