Loyola University Chicago

Think Green and Give is a charitable collection event in which gently used, clean clothing and household items, and nonperishable unopened food/toiletries are collected at the end of the academic year when students move out of the residence halls for the summer.

PROBLEM:  Colleges and universities nationwide generate up to 100 tons of additional trash during spring move-out.  Many of those items can be donated/reused.

SOLUTION:  Students are given the opportunity to drop off unwanted and REUSABLE items. 

• Donations - Go to those in need
• Students pack a lighter load as they head out for summer
• REUSE - go green and be part of the solution

America's Disabled and local food pantries are recipients of Think Green and Give.

Volunteers Take Part in Recording Donations

In order to track how much Think Green and Give is diverting from landfills, volunteers which consist of students and staff, record donations. 

2009 is the second year for Think Green and Give. And with improvements to the collection process such as when students were able to donate, there was a significant increase in donations.  And items were diverted from landfills.

2009 Summary and Results

• Held during finals (spring move-out)
• Collection bins available 24 hours per day for six days at three locations
• 2,060 pounds of clothing and small household items were donated
• 597 canned food items donated
• 653 dried food items donated
• 299 miscellaneous toiletries donated

2008 Summary and Results

• Held one week prior to finals
• Two drop-off locations open three days from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• 1,208 pounds of clothing and small household items donated/diverted
• 363 canned food items donated
• 485 dried food items donated
• 108 miscellaneous toiletries donated