In 2008, John Tyler Community College’s created a Revive program aimed at creating ways for students, faculty, staff and the entire community to reuse, reduce, restore and recycle for a greener planet. Here’s how:

On-Campus Recycling - Early in the fall 2008 semester, the College implemented a single-stream recycling program. Bins placed around campus allow people to recycle paper, plastic bottles, cans, glass, newspapers, telephone books and catalogs, all in one bin. No sorting is required. Wet paper, paper towels, food containers and plastic bags should not be placed in the bins.

Small Electronics Recycling - Revive also incorporates a small electronics recycling program. Boxes are set up around each campus where students, faculty and staff may deposit their old personal electronics, such as cell phones, PDAs, iPods, and mp3 players. College equipment should not be placed in these bins. Donated equipment will be turned into the College’s recycling vendor, which will recycle the goods and send a check to the John Tyler Community College Foundation for any money earned.

Clothing, Shoes, Books and More - Throughout the year, other items, including clothing, shoes and books are collected to be reused and/or recycled. Watch the upcoming events and news pages for updates on those projects.

Greener Spaces – When the College began planning for Phase II of the Midlothian Campus, it looked to the future by incorporating green elements into the building’s planning and design. In fact, the new academic building at the Midlothian Campus is the first project in the Virginia Community College System to be registered under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. To become LEED-certified, a project must earn credits in key areas that promote human and environmental health, including sustainable site design, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.

The Chester Campus dates to 1967, and recent renovations there focus on improving the campus’green qualities. Major renovations in Godwin Hall will include the use of low-VOC materials and finishes. Improved roofing materials with additional insulation have been placed on the roofs of Bird Hall Goyne Hall and Godwin Hall, and a white coating will be applied to Moyar Hall and the Nicholas Student Center; these updates will improve energy efficiency. Building HVAC controls and light fixtures have also been swapped out at Chester; all with the goal of improving the building’s energy efficiency.

Finally, the College’s Facilities Department is modifying its operating processes and maintenance procedures to incorporate integrated pest management in grounds maintenance, green housekeeping practices and recycling when possible. To see much more about the College’s work on green building, including a virtual tour of the Midlothian Science Building and ways you can help, go to www.jtcc.edu/revive.

Fool for Art - In 2008, Fool For Art took on a green spin, and in 2009, we partnered with Chesterfield County to amp up the green content at this free, fun, hands-on educational event. We even challenged all faculty and staff at John Tyler and Chesterfield County to get involved with the Revive Community Challenge. Participants repurposed materials to make a greenhouse, planters, guitars, dollhouses, and much more.

To see and hear more about the College’s green initiatives, visit www.jtcc.edu/revive.