'Warriors Don’t Waste' salvages thousands of items for future reuse

The Eastern community diverted more than 5,000 pounds of reusable goods this move-out season during the campus-wide donation drive known as “Warriors Don’t Waste.” Rather than filling dumpsters while moving out of residence halls, students placed clothes, appliances, home supplies, nonperishable food, and other items in designated locations for staff and faculty to later transfer to Eastern’s on-campus thrift shop and community organizations around town.  

Warriors Don’t Waste occurred May 12–16 in Constitution, Laurel, Mead, Niejadlik, Noble, Nutmeg, and Winthrop Halls. On May 19, with students fully moved out, more than 20 staff and faculty associated with the Green Campus Committee rolled up their sleeves and filled pickup trucks and University vans with loads of salvageable goods that otherwise would have gone to landfills.  

“We are excited that the number of usable items donated by students continues to grow each year,” said Patty Szczys, executive director of sustainability and biology professor. “The effort by students to divert goods and by staff and faculty to move items from residence halls to the thrift shop reflects Eastern’s strong culture of sustainability — caring for the community and the environment.” 

The effort effectively restocked Thrift Warriors, located in Winthrop Hall, where future students can access the goods — from shelving units and desk organizers to lamps and vacuums — free of charge. 

"This annual collaboration between the Green Campus Committee and the Office of Housing and Residential Life is a fantastic way to reduce waste and student costs," said Paul Serignese, director of housing, whose office manages the Warriors Don't Waste collection sites. "I am grateful for our students’ willingness to donate gently used items and to all the volunteers that help make this program happen. ...  It is no small feat to assess each donation to determine where it should go."

“From the students who diverted their (unwanted items) to the faculty and staff who spent hours collecting it all … it’s clear how committed the Eastern community is to reducing waste,” said Frida Nieto, a Warriors Don’t Waste coordinator. “This initiative isn't just about being more sustainable, but about helping students access the supplies they need for their dorms without a price tag: from clothes and decor to kitchen supplies and appliances! It never ceases to amaze me how our community shows up for each other and our campus.” 

In addition to Thrift Warriors, students were encouraged to donate non-perishable food to the Covenant Soup Kitchen, dispose of fridge scraps via the University’s composting program, and drop off broken “e-waste” in the Carter Science Building.