The lab of Randy Blakely, Allan D. Bass Professor of Pharmacology and Psychiatry, has been named winner of the 2015 Vanderbilt Basketball Sustainability Competition. Blakely Lab staff celebrated their title of “greenest group on campus” at the Vanderbilt vs. South Carolina basketball game Feb. 7 with a catered hospitality event, tickets to the game, an autographed basketball from men’s coach Kevin Stallings, and an on-court ceremony during the game. Accepting the award on behalf of the lab were Blakely and research assistant Angela Hunt-Steele.
The sustainability competition, sponsored by Vanderbilt Athletics, Waste Management and the Sustainability and Environmental Management Office (SEMO), invited all Vanderbilt groups, teams, departments and campus organizations to compete for the title of “greenest group on campus” by detailing what sustainable actions they routinely implement to reduce, reuse or recycle; save energy or water; use mass transit and alternative transportation options; or other sustainability innovations going on within the department or organization.
The Blakely Lab was recognized for its extensive recycling efforts, including sending their data storage, such as CDs, for specialized recycling. The lab also ensures they recycle lab supply packaging. For lab-wide gatherings, the lab orders cornstarch biodegradable utensils and plates instead of normal disposable supplies. They also conserve energy by turning off lab equipment and shutting fume hood sashes whenever possible, which use large amounts of electricity.
For more information about SEMO or how you can participate in future sustainability competitions, visit the SustainVU website or email sustainvu@vanderbilt.edu.