Local media outlets focused their attention on the campus for Earth Day on April 22, a day when UALR showed how focused the campus is on sustainability and preserving natural resources for the future.

KATV and KTHV came to the main campus for UALR’s electronics recycling drop off, tire pressure safety check, green initiative informational tables, and the bulb-eater demonstration.

The Recycling and Sustainability Committees co-sponsored the electronic drop off, and students with the Student Government Association and the Global Issues Group volunteered to do the “heavy lifting” by filling two 16-foot trailers with old electronic equipment by the end of the event.

Those student groups also volunteered their time at the Recycling Committee’s information table in the Donaghey Student Center where they handed out information flyers on the recycling programs and how to become involved with those activities on campus.

Dr. Jacek Lubecki supplied Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFL), and Little Rock Wastewater supplied small grease cans from the Can the Grease campaign that were distributed with information on how each, when used properly, help save the environment.

UALR’s Physical Plant hosted two of the events – the tire safety check and the bulb-eater demonstration. Vince Rodgers and Joey Baldwin not only demonstrated how the flourescent bulb eater works but also discussed the many benefits obtained by using this piece of equipment, of which one of the most important is to keep aluminum, mercury, and phosphor powders out of landfills.

Tips on Energy Savings

• Turn off all lights and computers before leaving the office.
• Consider using occupancy sensors that activate lights when occupants enter or leave a room.
• Put home electronics on a surge protector, which makes it easier to turn off when not in use to prevent phantom energy loss.
• Use outdoor lights with a photocell unit or a timer so they will turn off automatically during the day.