Renewal is a Christ-centered creation care network that focuses on helping college students live in a right relationship with God. On Wednesday, February 17, 2010, it released Green Awakenings: Stories of Stewardship and Sustainability from the Next Generation, a report that celebrated the creation care efforts on over 50 Christian college campuses in the United States and Canada. Moody Bible Institute was featured in the report for its recycling and sustainability programs.

“It is encouraging and enlightening to learn about what other colleges are doing in regards to creation care,” said Oakley Smith, Custodial Administrator at Moody. “We are also excited to be featured in this report because it is our goal to not only reduce consumption and waste, but to be good stewards of what the Lord has entrusted to our care.”

While Moody has been actively recycling for 20 years, sustainability efforts have increased over the past five years and now include a trayless cafeteria, energy efficient lighting, low-flow showerheads in the dormitories and green cleaning supplies across campus. Blue recycling bins are found on every dorm floor, classroom level and inside student centers. Additionally, Food Service has begun promoting sustainable containers and composting. These efforts have resulted in 25-35 percent waste reduction and about a 50 percent reduction in water use.

“There are great things Moody has been doing in terms of sustainability that should be recognized and commended. Being featured in this report was a prime opportunity to showcase these efforts to the larger sustainability community,” said Kathryn Norregaard, a sophomore communications major who wrote Moody’s entry for Green Awakenings. “I encourage students to build habits of stewardship and to keep a positive attitude towards the thoughtful ways Moody has been seeking to become more sustainable.”