WE Recycle
WE Recycle is the evolved offspring of Chuck-it Recycling, started in 2003 by Paul Mobley because he saw a need for recycling collection at NC State Football tailgating. Volunteers meet before each home game to load into WE Recycling trucks that travel through and collect recyclables from tailgaters. The goal of the program is to encourage fans to recycle with the hope that they will carry the habit of recycling home with them. Our service learning team is supplementing work for WE Recycle with the creation of educational programs that inform the NC State community about recycling and responsible resource use. We hosted a presentation through NC State’s Scholars program about the positive and negative aspects of recycling as part of West Campus’s sustainability month. A few Caldwell Fellows created and distributed reusable RA bulletin boards with the theme of recycling and responsible resource use. We will also set-up visuals and educational games as part of America Recycles Day to further educate the community members about their role in redefining waste.
Knowing that we are taking action against consumer trends is the benefit of being engaged in this service learning activity. I find taking action with Caldwell Fellows exciting because we each have a passion for the cause and realize that our efforts have an impact on societal patterns. The greatest thing my group and I are getting from the experience is a greater understanding of why we need to be recycling, what it takes to collect recycling, and how to inspire others to make recycling a part of their daily life. The intellectual stimulation we obtain from participating in this group will stay with us as we continue through life and influence our decisions as leaders of communities around the globe.