Running Head: Introduction to Environmental Science: Investigation 3

Introduction to Environmental Science:

Investigation 3
U49701984
University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee

Introduction to Environmental Science: Investigation 3

Dr. Stone,
As I explored the campus at USFSM, I noticed that there werent as many options for
disposing of recyclable materials as there are for trash, especially throughout the outdoor areas
and classrooms. While many people will hold on to their empty soda can or water bottle and find
a recycling bin, others will just throw it in the nearest garbage can. There are some changes that
could be made that would reduce the amount of recyclable materials going into the regular
garbage at USFSM. Pairing garbage cans with recycling bins and placing clearly labeled signs
marking what is to be disposed of in each container would be simple and inexpensive ways to
increase the recycling effort at USFSM.
The website at USFSM (2016) states, USF Sarasota-Manatee Facilities Planning and
Management is committed to operate and maintain the physical resources in a manner that
promotes sustainability and provides the maximum stewardship of the natural environment.
While the goal of improved sustainability is the responsibility of all departments at USF
Sarasota-Manatee, Facilities Planning and Management stands uniquely positioned to lead the
effort by implementing an expansion of its current initiatives related to mass transportation
improvements, energy conservation, green cleaning and recycling (usfsm.edu). The first
proposal is ensuring that there is a recycling bin paired with every garbage can on campus. The
areas that would benefit from this the most would be the outdoor areas and each individual
classroom. That will prevent any student or faculty from feeling inconvenienced to recycle
when finding a location to dispose of something recyclable.
Another proposal would be attaching signs to the cans and bins, clearly labeling them as
Garbage Only or Recyclables Only. The signs would clearly state what material goes in
which can, and would discourage the disposal of a material in the wrong can. Ludwig, Gray, and

Introduction to Environmental Science: Investigation 3

Rowell (1998), stated, Behavioral research has identified numerous interventions that increase
recycling behaviors. Austin, Hatfield, Grindle, and Bailey (1993) used signs and education to
increase paper recycling in two college departments. By placing signs over the trash containers
and recycling containers, they increased recyclables from 51% in baseline to 84% in the
experimental condition (p. 683).
Protecting the environment by reducing the amount of recyclable materials that ends up
in landfills is the responsibility of every individual. The collected effort of the thousands of
individuals who regularly visit USFSM can have a quite significant impact on the environment
with regards to recyclables. Its up to us to decide if its a positive or negative impact. Pairing
garbage cans with recycling bins and placing clearly labeled signs marking what is to be
disposed of in each container would be a simple and inexpensive way to increase the recycling
effort at USFSM.
Sincerely,
U49701984

Introduction to Environmental Science: Investigation 3

Works Cited:
University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee. (2016). Sustainability. Retrieved from http://
usfsm.edu/facilities/sustainability10/
Ludwig, T. D., Gray, T. W., & Rowell, A. (1998). Increasing recycling in academic buildings: a
systematic replication. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. 31. 682-686. Retrieved
from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.ezproxy.lib.usf.edu/doi/10.1901/jaba.1998.31- 683
/abstract