By Ryan Hickey
There are a rare few people who strive to somehow help out the community we live in and work to make our world a better place. This involves buying a hybrid car, planting a tree in your backyard or even just recycling aluminum and plastic before mindlessly throwing it away. Some people even shave, brush their teeth, pee, and shower all at the same time—It’s all going to the same place, right?
One McDaniel student is a huge advocate for many of these traits. Senior Connor Rasmussen is always on the prowl looking for ways to help improve McDaniel’s campus and its environmental policies. Rasmussen, who is the president of the Environmental Action Club (EAC), has been involved in projects on campus since he was a freshman and is always trying to get others involved.
“If we can educate about how much good we can all do, I really believe a change can happen,” said Rasmussen.
Recently the EAC began a new campaign for this school year where they posted flyers all over the campus bathrooms educating people on recycling and “What’s in America’s Trash.” “Bathroom Talk” as its titled goes over some of the basic everyday things people can recycle and where on campus that can be done.
Another much bigger project that Rasmussen has been heading up is the “Cartridge’s for Charity” campaign, a project that Rasmussen picked up from his predecessor, Meghan Ambra. For this project Rasmussen collects printer ink and toner cartridges from all over campus and then sends them to a not for profit recycling company which is located in Valencia, California (recycling4charity.com).
“Some cartridges can be up to eight bucks a cartridge; it can make a huge difference,” said Rasmussen.
This company then recycles the cartridges and the money made is then given to various well-known charities. Some charities include “Food for Hunger,” Habitat for Humanity, and the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation.
“I find it [recycling4charity.com] to be one of the stronger programs out there. By participating with them not only do I get to recycle but they also make an excellent donation to organizations that really need the help,” said Rasmussen.
The EAC will be heading up its “Earth Week” soon after fall break. They will be advocating for better environmental policies on campus and beyond.
In regards to “Earth Week,” Rasmussen said, “We’ll be pushing for how people can begin recycling easier and where on campus. We want to make things more ‘Green’ here on campus.”
