“WebUR Green”
Submitted by RENEW (Richmond Environmental Network for Economic Willpower)
Second Place Winner
Located on a tree outside of the main entrance to the library
Eco-Spider Challenge Essay
RENEW’s eco-spider aims to demonstrate the possibilities inherent in following the President’s Climate Commitment. The component parts of our eco-spider named “WebUR Green” outline the solutions we see as economically feasible at UR:
1. Recycle consistently.
Recycled rubber tires, as found in WebUR’s body can be ground up and used for pathways on-campus and can save up to 71% of the energy required to create new ones. WebUR’s legs are comprised of recyclable cans and bottles that can be found around UR’s campus, such as Coke, Pepsi, Dasani and Spider Water.
2. Consume less and reuse creatively.
Our web is woven using plastic bags from the University bookstore, ETC, and the Cellar. The “feet” are made from used CDs from WDCE (UR’s student-run radio station). By purchasing music online and utilizing reusable bags, students can reduce consumption of energy and landfill space.
3. Educate the campus on sustainability.
WebUR hangs in front of Boatwright Memorial Library to demonstrate that education is at the heart of becoming a more sustainable community. Through initiatives with the Residence Life and Orientation, RENEW aims to educate and foster awareness in entering first-years regarding environmental stewardship and sustainability.
4. Eat organic and local food.
WebUR’s head is made of a used can from the dining hall to represent the benefits of consuming organic and local food. Doing so reduces the usage of pesticides and fuel, thus having a lesser impact on the environment.
Submitted by the RENEW Eco-Spider Team
Geoff Cox
Carly Vendegna
Cloe Franko
Jason Levinn