(Courtesey of Recycle Mania)

It’s that time of year for students to prove how eco-friendly they are in the annual RecycleMania competition. After being awarded first place in the Texas private schools per capita division last year, SMU faces the challenge of defending the title.

“Participating in Recyclemania is a great way to get the students involved in sustainable efforts whether they are interested in being more environmentally friendly, or simply want to be number one,” said President of the Environmental Society Pamela Varela said.

While SMU recycled an average of 18.15 pounds per person last year, the Sustainability Committee and Environmental Society are expecting to do even better during this year’s eight- week competition.

“The goal and hope is that based on this awareness it will carry over as a practice in their everyday lives,” said Eric English, the co-chair of the SMU Sustainability Committee.

“This will be our third year of participation as a campus whole, in the competition division, and we have steadily progressed each year.”

Last year, SMU placed 54 of 363 schools in the per capita division nationally and 159 of 230 schools in the targeted material division.

This year SMU continue the tradition of celebrating RecycleMania with an eco-fashion show and art competition in March.

“RecycleMania is a great mashup of practical action and school spirit,” said Kim Cobb, co-chair of SMU Sustainability Committee.

The competition began Sunday and ends March 31.