The Students for Recycling club symbolizes the idea that together Ohio State students can make a difference.

Helping the environment and making others more aware of environmental issues is at the heart of the organization’s goals.

“We have limited resources and a growing population,” said Joanna
Podrasky, president of Students for Recycling. “It’s important to do what we can individually to live a more environmental lifestyle.”

Podrasky, a third-year in environmental policy and management, has been concerned with environmental issues since a young age.

Since joining Students for Recycling during her freshman year, Podrasky’s interest in these issues has grown even stronger.

“As we have collaborated with different groups, we have come up with even more ideas about what we can do on campus,” Podrasky said. “It’s been rewarding to see Ohio State grow and change to embrace more sustainability initiatives.”

Stacy Weisfeld, vice president of the recycling club, has found similar benefits through participating in the club’s events.

“When you help the environment, you can see your efforts,” said Weisfeld, a third-year in international studies and French. “Your surroundings become more beautiful. It’s a great feeling to know you’re making a difference.”

This quarter the recycling club will participate in several volunteer events across the Columbus area.

In celebration of Earth Day, Students for Recycling will hold the event “It’s Easy Being Green” this month. The event, which will be held at the Union on April 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., will include interactive stations. The stations will hold demonstrations on ways to reuse items as well as the financial benefits of making environmentally friendly choices.

“I’m really excited for this new event,” Podrasky said. “It’s the first sustainable event that will be put on in the Union.”

Students for Recycling was recently awarded $5,000 after winning a national contest relating to going green and caring for the environment. This money will be put toward a community service event at a local elementary school in Columbus.

On May 15, volunteers will plant flowers and trees at the school and clean up the playground. They will return to the school the following Tuesday to educate students about environmental issues and help them to develop a recycling program.

“Learn what is recyclable and what is not,” said Rachel Gapa, a third-year in french. “After your experience, you can teach others how to help.”

The club meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the Student Alumni Council Room at the Union.

“Recycling is an important thing that is easy to do,” Gapa said. “It is a lot of little steps that make a big difference.”

Gapa is one of the head chairs for this year’s Dump and Run at OSU. Held at the end of Spring and Summer quarters, this event sells OSU students’ reusable items that they no longer want to keep after moving out. The money from the sold items helps to aid local charities and provide funds for student organizations participating in the event.

“It was amazing to see all the things that would have been thrown away,” Gapa said.