Contact: Bob Ratliff
Mississippi State University is receiving national attention for its campus recycling programs.
In a new report titled "The State of the Campus Environment," the National Wildlife Federation designates MSU as a "Leading School" among nearly 900 American colleges and universities. The Starkville institution is given highest marks for its environmental goal-setting and environmental policies.
The NWF report graded schools in more than 20 categories ranging from curriculum to transportation. Conducted in partnership with Princeton Survey Research Associates, the survey found enhanced environmental responsibility affecting everything from curriculum to purchasing decisions to landscaping.
"MSU has a waste minimization plan that includes recycling white paper, newsprint, cardboard, used oil, and other recyclable materials," said Peter Rook, assistant director for general services in the physical plant department.
Rook said the campus also reduces solid waste by careful use of materials from landscape projects. "All limbs, trees, stumps and other plant materials are chipped and either used for mulch or composted for use in other campus landscaping projects," he explained.
Founded in 1936 and based in Vienna, Va., the wildlife federation is the nation's largest member-supported conservation group. The organization has more than 4 million members spread among 46 state affiliate organizations.
"The best campuses in this survey are providing a green compass for others to follow," said Julian Keniry, manager of NWF's campus ecology program.