Many people ask, "Why recycle?"  There are many, many reasons for recycling, particularly at a university.  The NIU campus is more than just a place to learn, teach, and work.  In many ways, it is a microcosm of environmental issues that face the larger society.  Here at NIU, we have offices, libraries, research labs, a hospital, residence halls, food services, art studios, theaters, roads, parking lots, recreational and sports centers, and wilderness areas.  Between all of these functions, we consume vast amounts of water, food, energy, toxic materials, among other things. 
Faced with urgent and increasing environmental challenges, Northern Illinois University needs to educate and graduate environmental problem-solvers, whether they be from a biological, political, or any other of the multitude of colleges.  We also need to take responsibility for the university's ecological impact. 
All facets of the campus community are critical for this process.  Faculty and students can enrich almost any course by examining some of the environmental aspects of their discipline.  Administrators can encourage their offices to become more environmentally friendly.  University staff are a crucial part, as they are the most important member of this team.  It is the hope of the NIU Recycling team that by fostering communication and collaboration between all campus groups, our community can become a guide towards greater ecological awareness.
You can use this page to link to detailed information about the facts of recycling.  Whether you want the specific facts about aluminum or want to know just how much an academic building is recycling, this is the right place.  Take a look at the links below.