Campaign gets greeks to ‘Go Green’

The greek system is starting to think green.\n“Think green” are the two words Alpha Chi Omega sophomore Brittney Banks and Phi Mu sophomore Clare Crosh hope their fellow greeks keep in mind when throwing trash away. Banks and Crosh have created a new organization in the greek system called “Greeks Go Green.” The organization encourages recycling plastics numbers one through six, cardboard, paper and aluminum cans. Alpha Chi Omega has 14 recycling bins located throughout its house, Banks said. Phi Mu is currently trying to raise funds to buy bins for its house.\n“It cost us $750 for 14 bins,” Banks said. “But it’s worth it. They’re durable and professional-looking.”\nHP Products, a Rubbermaid representative in Bloomington, provides the recycling bins. When Banks initially had this idea, she contacted numerous people about how to get started. One of them was Steve Akers, associate director of environmental operations for Residential Programs and Services.\n“I think this is really great that she’s getting it started,” Akers said. \nBanks and Crosh attempted to get a scholarship through the IU Student Foundation, but were denied. They are now working with the IU Student Association and the Panhellenic Association in an attempt to gain both recognition and funding.\n“Once we get enough organization, we can definitely apply for the Metz scholarship,” Crosh said. The Metz Grant, which is part of the IU Student Foundation, awards up to $5,000 for organizations with a charitable cause.\nBanks said she hates to see trash go to waste that could be recycled or reused.\n“Especially all of the cans at fraternity parties – it would just be so easy to throw them in a bin for pick-up instead of a trash can,” she said.\nBanks and Crosh hope to establish a system where any house in the greek system that wants to start recycling can become involved. Habitat for Humanity picks up the aluminum cans whenever the bins are full, Banks said. Hoosier Disposal takes care of everything else. \nNext fall, they plan to host a philanthropy event that will help raise awareness about the environment, not only for the greek community, but the Bloomington community as well. They are hoping to auction off a hybrid car and have an organic food tasting, a nutritionist and more.\n“We want to educate people all around,” Banks said.\nCrosh said she couldn’t agree more with Banks that educating people is the key to lasting success.\n“If you educate, then you put the power in their hands, and they can care about their choices,” she said.