Every day is "Earth Day" at ULM Child Development Center

The University of Louisiana at Monroe Child Development Center treats every day as Earth Day in an effort to give back and conserve.

In 2005, the ULM Child Development Center began recycling inkjet and laser-jet printer cartridges in the Education department and the College of Arts and Sciences.

As word got out around campus about the center's efforts, Emily Williamson, Director of the development center began to receive calls from other departments wanting to join in.

"This project serves two purposes," said Williamson. "One, to help our university divert waste from landfills…and second, to generate funds for the center."

In 2007, the center partnered with Greentec's Think Recycle program after their initial recycling provider went out of business.

With the new company, the center has added cell phones, digital cameras, and laptops to their list of recyclables that are being diverted from landfills.

As an added bonus, Think Recycle plants trees based on the recycling efforts of their clients and since the spring of 2007, the Child Development Center has recycled 3,861 cartridges, 161 cell phones; diverted over 5,100 pounds from the local landfill and raised more than $4,200 over the last four years. The money raised goes toward center expenses.

Efforts by the center have allowed 77 trees to planted in the university's name by American Forests which plants and cares for the trees.

In an effort to improve efficiency, more collection boxes have been placed around campus and all departments are welcome to contact Williamson at 318-342-1913 or ewilliamson@ ulm.edu for pick up or to locate collection boxes.

National Earth Day is being celebrated across the country this year on April 22.

Ace character used with permission