MCC Sustainability Efforts for August 2016

The Sustainability Committee welcomes all back for a new year and new opportunities for MCC to make its mark as a sustainable campus.  The definition of sustainability as prepared by the World Commission on Environment and Development in 1987 is as follows:  Sustainability is development that meets the need of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”  Our goal is to promote that at McLennan and throughout our community.

If you would like to join the Sustainability Committee and/or have ideas on how to promote sustainability on our campus, contact Sid Ross at sross@mclennan.edu or Fred Hills at fhills@mclennan.edu.  We are looking for new members and welcome all to our joint work.

1. Did You Know?  The MCC grounds crew planted a butterfly garden in the center of campus.  Working with Dr. Stephanie Lockwood, Assistant Professor of Practice in Biology Texas Tech, the site was officially certified as a Monarch Waystation.  The Monarch butterflies will migrate through Waco around October on their way to Mexico.  Currently the garden is receiving visits by many Queen butterflies which people mistake for Monarchs.  The grounds crew is to be commended for creating such a beautiful garden and helping Monarch preservation.
2. Sustainability Activities on Campus this Fall: 
   MCC’s Bi-annual Shred and Recycle Day this fall semester on November 4th from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm at the back of the MAC parking lot.   We are working out the details and will have a firm date by next month’s newsletter.  Bring your items from home and work.  For more information, go to America Recycles Day at http://americarecyclesday.org/. 
   
   Energy Conservation:  A reminder to everyone that continued energy conservation is an ongoing process and to power down computers or any electrical using equipment when not in use.  Take advantage light motion sensors and insure that they are working.
   
   Campus bicycle rental program is alive and well.  The program is available to students, faculty, and staff.  Contact Janice Kasner at the physical plant 299-8863 if interested in renting a bicycle for the fall semester.  Bike rental fee is $10 a semester.
   
   Glass Recycling: Cobbs Convenience Center accepts plastic, aluminum and other metal, cardboard, paper, and corrugated box material from anyone, including those living outside the Waco area.  Glass is accepted only from Waco residents.  Cobbs Convenience Center is located at 2021 North 44th Street and is open Tuesday through Saturday (8 am - 5 pm) to drop off your materials free of charge.  For a map to the site and more details go to: http://www.waco-texas.com/solid-waste-recycling.asp.
3. What are your thoughts on our sustainability efforts?   
   Check out our website at http://www.mclennan.edu/gogreen/ and our blog at http://mccgogreen.blogspot.com/.

Thanks for your support.  It takes the entire College to make sustainability work!

The MCC Sustainability Committee