Using pre-season results of The Associated Press' Top 25 NCAA Football poll as a base, SaveOnEnergy.com compared five metrics to identify the top-ranking eco-friendly football colleges. For a full explanation of SaveOnEnergy.com's methodology and the full ranking, view their full slideshow of the results, but here's a cheat sheet:

Ranking criteria:

1. Stadium sustainability efforts
2. Number of active green organizations
3. Waste diversion rate
4. Percentage of budget spent on locally grown or organic foods
5. Level of Environmental Studies degrees offered

The Top 10 Eco-Friendly Football Colleges and Universities:

1. University of Washington
AP Top 25 Pre-Season Rank: #25
Active Green Organizations: 45
Waste Diversion Rate: 58%
Share of budget spent on locally grown/organic foods: 59%

2. Stanford University
AP Top 25 Pre-Season Rank: #11
Active Green Organizations: 12
Waste Diversion Rate: 65%
Share of budget spent on locally grown/organic foods: 44%

3. The Ohio State University
AP Top 25 Pre-Season Rank: #5
Active Green Organizations: 84
Waste Diversion Rate: 42.8%
Share of budget spent on locally grown/organic foods: 26.9%

4. Texas A&M
AP Top 25 Pre-Season Rank: #21
Active Green Organizations: 18
Waste Diversion Rate: 66%
Share of budget spent on locally grown/organic foods: 24%

5. UCLA
AP Top 25 Pre-Season Rank: #7
Active Green Organizations: 38
Waste Diversion Rate: 69%
Share of budget spent on locally grown/organic foods: 14%

6. North Carolina
AP Top 25 Pre-Season Rank: #23
Active Green Organizations: 30
Waste Diversion Rate: 46%
Share of budget spent on locally grown/organic foods: 22.4%

7. Clemson
AP Top 25 Pre-Season Rank: #16
Active Green Organizations: 11
Waste Diversion Rate: 42.5%
Share of budget spent on locally grown/organic foods: 35%

8. Florida State University
AP Top 25 Pre-Season Rank: #1
Active Green Organizations: 4
Waste Diversion Rate: 40%
Share of budget spent on locally grown/organic foods: 45%

9. Nebraska
AP Top 25 Pre-Season Rank: #22
Active Green Organizations: 6
Waste Diversion Rate: 53%
Share of budget spent on locally grown/organic foods: 12.85%

10. Wisconsin
AP Top 25 Pre-Season Rank: #14
Active Green Organizations: 26
Waste Diversion Rate: 14%
Share of budget spent on locally grown/organic foods: 40%

The Fibrex Group has sold recycling containers to many of these schools for placement in their dormatories, stadiums & common areas. To find out what we can do for you, please check out www.fibrexgroup.com or give us a call at 1-800-346-4458. Work. Play. Recycle.

By Charlotte O'Malley at EcoBuilding.com

The Green Parking Council has launched the Green Garage certification program. The program is the parking industry equivalent of the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification and recognizes high standards in sustainable parking facility design, technology, operations, and management. Green Garage Certification is a consensus-driven program developed over several years and honed by external reviewers and a beta phase that included more than 40 facilities in the United States and Canada.

Garage Juice Bar LLC based out of Connecticut is an honored Fibrex Group customer who has already placed numerous Mobius DS recycling stations throughout various facilities within the United States. Designed with BMW Group DesignworksUSA, and aesthetically appealing, the Juice Bar charging stations are more than just pieces of equipment, they’re a charging experience and a billboard of sustainability.

To assist you in achieving your Green Garage and LEED certifications visit www.fibrexgroup.com or call 1-800-346-4458 to see what we can do for you. Work. Play. Recycle.

**Some info provided by FacilitiesNet

Some of the largest colleges and universities in the country will be battling at the recycling bin this fall.

The GameDay Recycling Challenge, an annual materials diversion competition, has opened up its registration process for the 2014 season. The concept asks each participating school to pick one, or more, of its football team's home games and to track how much material goes into recycling or compost receptacles at stadiums and tailgate areas.

Schools compete against their conference rivals in categories such as total amount diverted and recycling rate, and national winners are recognized at the end of the season.

Nearly 90 colleges and universities participated in the GameDay competition last year, an effort that led to 1.46 million pounds of material being diverted from landfill.

The competition is managed by CURC, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Wastewise Program, Keep America Beautiful, and RecycleMania, Inc. Interested in registering? Click here.

Or check out www.fibrexgroup.com if you are looking for recycling collection containers, such as our Encore recycle boxes, for your school's participation in the GameDay Challenge! Work. Play. Recycle.

Source: resource-recycling.com/node/5181

Fibrex Group’s VP of Marketing, Suzanne Leenders, has contributed an article called ‘Closing the Loop’ in Defense Communities magazine July/August 2014 offering . This magazine focuses on military housing, lodging & lifestyles for the American armed forces and their base installations.

Defense Communities is designed to keep those who operate and manage the whole spectrum of military housing and facilities maintenance informed on the industry’s latest technology, products, and services. It provides a forum for members to share lessons learned, news and events, and training opportunities and updates.

#FibrexGroup is known for its extensive and innovative selection of recycling centers, waste receptacles, park, street and mall site furnishings and playground equipment. We are pleased to introduce our new lines of illuminated architectural planters and Lunasol LED solar bollards. Providing attractive green design recycling receptacles, site furnishings & amenities in public spaces promotes good environmental stewardship while reducing waste and increasing recycling awareness.

Call 1.800.346.4458 or visit www.fibrexgroup.com to see how Fibrex can assist you!!

A month after Councilman Jason Dyken expressed concerns about the "atrocious" condition of the beach after the Fourth of July holiday, the city's Public Works Department is seeing some success with a pilot trash-sorting and recycling program.

The city has added two trash receptacles every 100 feet along its public beach -- one for regular garbage and the other for aluminum -- most beach-goers don't recycle and the majority of the city's coastline is lined with private condos and homes.

To combat the endless stream of trash, the Public Works Department implemented a pilot program last month with more frequent pickups covering a much larger area.

The city is working with beach service company employees who pick up trash around the beach. The city crews now pick up the additional trash and recycling containers and sort through it a block from the beach.

During peak beach traffic days, the crews collect 100 bags daily and have found that about 70% of the trash is recyclable.

In just over a three-week period, the city collected about 3,000 pounds of aluminum cans alone.

Jones said the project is still in its early stages but is producing some impressive results.

In addition to cans and plastic bottles, the city is also recycling tent frames and metal chairs that are often left abandoned along the beach after vacationers go home.

Hand said the sorting and recycling program has substantially reduced the amount of trash being hauled to the landfill.

Wise Recycling LLC, was so impressed with the amount of recyclables that it's letting the city use a 30-yard container for free.

The city gets $640 for each ton of aluminum that is recycled.

For more information on recycling programs and recycling containers for public beaches, parks and public green spaces, contact the Fibrex Group.

al.com

The Bureau of Engraving & Printing (BEP) is utilizing the Fibrex Group’s Mobius recycling stations in their Maryland offices for recycling collection. The Mobius Designer Series combines recycling and high-end design at an affordable price. This is one of Fibrex’s most attractive units and is perfect for use in high profile areas such as airports, office buildings, schools and universities. The innovative Mobius recycling station comes standard with one, two, three or four compartments featuring molded drop-in openings for collecting bottles & cans, paper products and trash. Each compartment holds up to 25 gallons and is fitted with a rigid plastic liner. These new indoor recycling stations are available in an unlimited combination of colors and finishes, and are perfect for even the most discriminate of locations.

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (@burofengburofen) had its foundations in 1862 with workers signing, separating, and trimming sheets of Demand Notes in the Treasury building.  Gradually, more and more work, including engraving and printing, was entrusted to the organization.  Within a few years, the BEP was producing Fractional Currency, revenue stamps, government obligations, and other security documents for many federal agencies.  In 1877, the BEP became the sole producer of all United States currency.  The addition of postage stamp production to its workload in 1894 established the BEP as the nation's security printer, responding to the needs of the U.S. Government in both times of peace and war.  Today, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing no longer produces government obligations or postage stamps, but it still holds the honor of being the largest producer of Government security documents with production facilities in Washington, DC, and in Fort Worth, Texas.

Made in the USA since 1990, Fibrex Group’s green-design products are made from sustainable resources and always contain the maximum possible recycled content. We offer very competitive factory direct pricing on our entire selection of eco-friendly design products which are built to last and covered by the best warranties in the industry.

Don’t get boxed in when selecting trash & recycling systems for your school stadiums & tailgating events, dorm or apartment housing areas, corporate open space areas and military bases.

Try Fibrex Group’s newest line of recycling & trash collection bins. Available in a dual stream recycling station or as individual boxes, schools, military bases and national companies will find these products useful. Our new system is a low maintenance, budget friendly solution for collection sites. It can be used anywhere from major stadium events to back yard functions - cafeterias to dorms - picnic areas to parks.

The Encore special event recycle bins have a unique convertible lid which will enable you to promote recycling and/or the proper disposal of trash in any setting. Complete with a multi-function lid, 55 gallon liner bags and FREE SHIPPING. Customization is available to advertise your corporate branding or sponsors information for increased visibility.

The Encore Dual Stream Recycler Box is a disposable trash & recycling container that includes a multi-function lid, base, back sign board, 2x 55 gallon liner bags & identification.

The containers are made from recycled paper. Using this system shows your commitment to being a ‘GREEN’ friendly school, company or organization. They flatten easily to store, and are re-usable and recyclable at the end of their life span.

There are no more bulky trash cans to sanitize, inventory, or deliver and pick up. These boxes will give you a fresh clean look every time. The same container may be used for trash or recycling with our unique convertible lids. Customization is available which will give you a great return on your investment and high visibility.

For more information contact the Fibrex Group at 1.800.346.4458 or www.fibrexgroup.com

Recycling is an excellent first step on the way to greening your business. The best way to accomplish this is by getting your office staff to buy into the idea by making them want to be part of the solution. This includes education regarding recycling and seeking their input on how to go about it and what they think can be recycled and what can be put into waste bins. Depending upon the size of your office staff, consider appointing one or two people to lead the recycling campaign.

Here are some helpful tips to get you started:

1. Lunch Room and Vending Machines: Make sure that containers marked for aluminum cans, glass and paper product disposal are readily available. Encourage staff to bring aluminum cans from home to add to the recycling container. Use funds from recycling to be earmarked for an employee party as a reward for their recycling efforts. Add Fibrex’s Encore Dual Stream Recycler for collection of recyclables as well as landfill items.
2. Paper Products: Each desk should have a recycling container for paper they can empty into a larger office container at the end of the day. Whenever possible, purchase recycled paper products. Encourage employees to print double sided to save paper. They should also be encouraged to use the back of any one-sided previously used paper for notes, etc., as long as no personal information is contained on the printed side. Make sure that all the paper containers are clearly marked for paper. Empty shredded material into plastic bags for recycling. This is the perfect place for a Desk-side Recycling/Waste Bin  to catch all of the paper tosses at everyone’s station. Even a Mobius Recycling Station  is a great idea in a central location within the office to catch cans, bottles & paper when folks hurry to and from meetings.
3. Batteries: All used batteries need to be recycled. Collect them in a container and determine which office supply companies collect batteries and make arrangements for them to be dropped at those locations. Purchase re-chargeable batteries whenever possible.
4. Printer Cartridges: Cartridges should be collected in a clearly marked receptacle and periodically refilled. It is less expensive to refill them and reduces waste.
5. Shipping Material: Re-use boxes as storage boxes, shipping bags and packing material. New labels can be placed over old labels and postage meter tape can be removed. If you lack packing material, use shredded material you have collected for recycling.
6. Office Equipment: Recycle or refurbish cell phones, fax machines, printers, computers and copiers. Buy refurbished products to conserve your budget and reduce landfill space needed. Repair items versus replacing them.
7. Office Supplies: Buy refillable pens. Use permanent tape dispenser rather than disposable dispensers. Purchase recycled paper towels for the rest rooms or invest in hand blowers. Recycle the hand towels. Eliminate the purchase of Styrofoam products.

For more information on office recycling containers, contact The Fibrex Group.

Some material courtesy of Ways2GoGreen blog

While enjoying the World Cup, remember to support the environment as well as your team by recycling all that you can.

The World Cup... It's one of the greatest shows on the planet, full of skill and passion, glory and controversy. More than a quarter of a billion people worldwide will watch the action from Brazil and millions of us in the United States will join them.

If you're planning a World Cup party or big-match barbecue , or even just giving the oven a rest and ordering a delivery pizza to enjoy while you're watching a game, one thing's for sure – all these World Cup celebrations will create lots of extra waste, the majority of which can be recycled.

There are a lot of items you can recycle quickly and easily, including drink cans, plastic bottles, glass bottles and jars, foil trays, cardboard boxes and takeaway cartons. Perhaps you can practice before the big match? Look for recycle bins and make use of them when disposing of your trash.

All you have to do is make sure it's clean and then put it in your recycling bin. It will take seconds to do but will save a lot more than you think!

What happens to your recycling?

Aluminum cans are 100% recyclable; they can be recycled again and again and can be back on the shelf within 60 days! One soda can, over the cycle of a year, can be recycled eight times. This saves enough energy to make another 160 cans.

It takes a quarter of the energy to make a plastic bottle from recycled plastic as it does from new materials making it worthwhile recycling those extra bottles.

You might be surprised at what recyclable items can be turned into:

• glass bottles can be turned back into more bottles and jars again and again
• 25 drinks bottles can become a fleece jacket
• plastic bottles can be turned into new park benches.  

Some info from Wyre Council UK

As a part of Keep America Beautiful and the Ad Council’s “I Want To Be Recycled” campaign, St. John & Partners has created a new interactive online game called Super Sorter that shows people different ways items can be sorted and recycled.

The Super Sorter game takes place in a material recovery facility (MRF) where mixed recyclables are separated by different types of sorters. The goal of the game is to sort all of the materials in the queue as they progress down the conveyor belt and send the recyclables on their way to becoming something new and valuable.  If you miss too many recyclables, and they end up in the landfill, you lose the level. Complete all seven levels and you are a Super Sorter!

See how recycled materials can be transformed into new, exciting and useful things. The game is free and can be played at iwanttoberecycled.org/game.

Created by Keep America Beautiful and Ad Council, the "I Want To Be Recycled' campaign builds on a great legacy of environmentally-focused public service announcements (PSAs), targeting sporadic recyclers and aiming to generate awareness and understanding of how, where and what to recycle. The Super Sorter game was created to engage a new generation of environmental stewards, building on data showing that 97% of teens ( and more than 4 in 5 young adults) play computer, web, portable or console games.

If you are interested in getting information on the original Super Sorter recycling-waste bin product offered by The Fibrex Group, please click here . These units come in a single capacity up to 4 streams of collection. The Super Sorter is built to be durable, long-lasting and easy to empty. With its security features, attractive design and flexibility in indoor/outdoor applications, they are an excellent solution for centralized recycling and waste collection. Custom signage designed for the frame system is available directly from The Fibrex Group. All Super Sorter Series products come with Super Sorter Openings to ensure high quality separation of recyclables.

 **Excerpts from Douglas Gould & Company