A state grant has facilitated the installation of water bottle fill stations at Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU). This initiative aims to encourage sustainable practices and promote the use of reusable water bottles among students, faculty, and visitors.
"We are thrilled to receive this grant from the EPA," said Ben Cook, director of Facilities Operations and Campus Safety, in an MVNU news release. "Installing these water bottle fill stations is a significant step towards fostering a more sustainable campus environment. We hope to inspire our community to make eco-conscious choices that benefit both our health and the planet."
According to MVNU, the grant was awarded as part of the 2024 Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Recycling and Litter Prevention Grant. This grant aligns with Ohio EPA's waste management initiative aimed at maintaining environmental cleanliness. The university said that it shares the goals of this initiative through its ongoing commitment to reducing unnecessary waste on campus.
The MVNU facilities team reportedly secured the grant through diligent efforts and dedicated numerous hours to installing the new equipment in time for the fall semester.
In its news release, MVNU expressed gratitude towards the Ohio EPA for its continuous support in providing sustainable opportunities for nonprofit organizations like itself. The university emphasized that such initiatives can contribute significantly to reducing waste for a cleaner Ohio.