As our planet continues to transform from the impact of human industrialization, the idea of conserving natural resources becomes very significant. Humans contribute large amounts of waste that consist of recyclable items. For many, the answer to this recurring issue is sustainability.

As the new year approaches, The University of Southern Mississippi and the City of Hattiesburg have created initiatives and taken suggestions to help students and local citizens become more sustainable.

The Office of Sustainability at Southern Miss recently announced its Recycleathon 2014 initiative for students. The event consists of eight weeks in which individual Southern Miss recycling teams will compete head-to-head for the title of recycling champions. The team who contributes the most to the university’s recycling efforts will win a special prize.

Recycleathon 2014 will provide a great opportunity for students to get involved with sustainability efforts at USM. “Every year, we hope to increase our student participation,” said Christina Foreman, coordinator of the Office of Sustainability. “It is also a great way for students to compete and help establish our institution as a leader in sustainability.”

The city of Hattiesburg will continue its Christmas tree recycling program for the Greater Hub City area. Residents will get the opportunity to bring their old Christmas trees to various locations throughout the city and discard them sustainably. The locations include Duncan Lake on James Street, Kamper Park next to the recycling bins, Highland Cemetery behind the office on West 7th Street, and the Eighth Fire Station on Lamar Boulevard near Petro Nissan.

The city of Hattiesburg will mulch the trees and donate the mulch to city residents for landscaping on a first come, first serve basis.
Recycling will begin Jan. 2 and last through Feb. 28 at different locations throughout the city.

There are other ways to be sustainable during the holiday season. These include using alternative wrapping paper when wrapping gifts, shopping online, decorating Christmas trees with repurposed decorations from local thrift stores, using LED Christmas lights and making charitable donations to family and friends instead of purchasing gifts.

For more information about Recycleathon 2014, contact the Office of Sustainability on campus at 601.266.5687.

For more information about Hattiesburg’s Christmas Tree Recycling program, contact the Urban Forestry Division at 601. 545.1541.