Residents of UF dorms are reducing, reusing and recycling in an effort to minimize waste, energy and water consumption on campus.
The third annual three-month contest between residence halls at UF kicked off Wednesday.
Dubbed "Battle of the Halls: Eco-Challenge," the competition is sponsored by The Office of Sustainability, Department of Housing and Gators for a Sustainable Campus.
"It is important for students to realize that everything they do and do not do always affects something else," said UF sophomore Dana Sabghir, Eco-Challenge coordinator and Office of Sustainability intern.
This month, though, UF will attempt to rank No. 1 in Recyclemania, a nationwide effort to encourage recycling on college campuses.
On Wednesday, a display of 17 bags worth of recyclables collected in a campus "Dumpster dive" Thursday night were piled in the Plaza of the Americas, signaling the start of the eco-friendly festivities, said Bailey Kilbourne, coordinator of Recyclemania at UF.
The competition, which ends March 28, will include monthly tasks centered around recycling and water and energy reduction.
The winning dorm will be announced at an awards ceremony on April 22, Earth Day, which UF President Bernie Machen will attend, Sabghir said.
The residence hall will receive a trophy made from recycled goods in addition to a catered party.
Individuals on campus observed doing environmentally friendly acts will also receive a prize.
UF's Physical Plant Division will monitor changes in each dorm's waste, energy and water use and compare the information with last year's data.
UF sophomore Justin Goldsmith said the event offers more than the thrill of competition.
"Overall, it's great to see students caring for the environment and making a conscious effort to helping and improving it," he said.
