By TILISHA T. ALEXANDER

Staff Writer

One student's trash will become another student's treasure now that a new recycling program has been implemented throughout campus.

The name of the program is REACT: Recycle Environmental Action Conservation at Louisiana Tech University.

Nicholas Judice, a senior mechanical engineering major and co-director of student services for the Student Government Association, said he had been in contact with Trailblazer's, a local recycling firm located at 225 Maple St., and they agreed to help with the effort.

"I sent an e-mail to everyone with a Tech account and the response has been great," Judice said. "I've gotten about 100 e-mails from departments, organizations and individuals who have been giving suggestions, tips and asking how they can help.

"It was needed, and I've been pushing for a recycling program since the beginning of the quarter," Judice said. "Now we have it."

John Taylor, buildings and grounds superintendent, said this is an excellent opportunity for the university as a whole to get involved in the effort to recycle.

"I'm excited that someone is taking the initiative to produce enough space for landfills," Taylor said. "The university uses an enormous amount of paper, and this project can reduce the amount that is used."

Judice said about 14 boxes, which equals about 50,000 sheets of paper per week, are recycled from the computer lab.

Michal Gray, a senior chemical engineering major, said because students and faculty waste so much paper, this program will be good for the environment.

"I would really help out and promote the cause to other students because we can become a part of the effort to saving trees," Gray said. "I may be optimistic, but we may get a reduction in our tuition costs if we conserve and recycle."

Judice said he feels this program will be a tremendous success and will benefit the university by throwing away less garbage and figuring out ways to save paper and money.

"Students can benefit by helping out the environment and being able to give back to a worthwhile program while they are students here," Judice said. "Hopefully, the program will inspire people to try to start programs in their hometowns or other areas."