In an effort to reduce the waste associated with move-out this semester, Luther Sustainability has partnered with several Decorah-area organizations to decrease waste and give back to the community. Starting the Friday before finals there will be a clearly marked donation room in each residence hall where students can donate unwanted items. Furniture, clothing, laundry detergent, rugs, working electronics, and posters or other reusable room decorations will all be donated to local thrift shops. The Decorah First Lutheran Food Pantry will receive all unopened non-perishable food. Redeemable glass containers will also be collected, with all money to benefit the a local organization that assists people with disabilities called the Spectrum Network. The goal is that the only things going in the dumpsters are items not able to be repurposed or reused. Helpers will staff waste stations near residence halls three times each day from Wednesday to Sunday during finals week to assist with waste diversion and answer questions about what can and cannot be donated. For more information on Luther’s waste-reduction initiatives, click here.