The second annual Cram & Scram recycling effort has come to a close with unprecedented results. Fifteen students led by Ashley Langer '09 dedicated more than 1,000 hours of work within a two-week period, and their hard work paid off – this year's group demonstrated an intense commitment that prompted outstanding results.
The Cram and Scram team collects recyclable and reusable items that Hamilton students might have discarded otherwise. This year's collection far surpassed last year's. Knowing that one person's trash is another person's treasure, the students filled four 48-foot tractor trailers with items that students can then purchase at the Cram and Scram tent sale on August 25.
The other items went to various charities and organizations. Terry Hawkridge, assistant director of physical plant, reported that among these, 591 books went to N.Y.S. Prevent Child Abuse, 4,928 pounds of clothing went to the Salvation Army, and six bikes were donated to the Underground Café. In addition, more than three tons of containers and 10 tons of paper were recycled, and 2,164 pounds of bedding went to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society.
In 2007, Hamilton sent 140.53 tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) to the county landfill, a number that alarmed the College and caused students to rethink what they threw in the trash. A handful of students proposed the Cram and Scram program, and this year, they hoped to reduce the MSW to about 90 tons. They were successful – Hawkridge reported that the MSW is now at 90.81 tons.
The students also had hoped to further students' education on the matter of recycling. Given this year's results, it is safe to say that the Hamilton community has become much more aware of the Cram and Scram effort. Individuals responded with enthusiasm and will be rewarded when it comes time for the popular tent sale in the fall.
