“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”
– Robert Swan, Author
FLEX City Representatives Viktoriya Motrenko ’17 (Kharkiv, Ukraine/Walton, KS) and Diana Sobolyeva ‘18 (Kharkiv, Ukraine/Dodge Center, MN), organized a first-of-its-kind initiative in Kharkiv city: the 
FLEX Alumni Paper Recycling Project. For six months from December 2018 – June 2019, the FLEX alumnae collected paper from their
university to recycle at the Eco-Hub in Kharkiv. Over 500 students, teachers, and professors at Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts contributed to the project with many students joining the campaign to promote the campaign outside of the university. With the support of faculty, the alumnae set up boxes around the university to collect recyclable paper. By the end of the semester, over 200 kg of paper were collected and recycled.
Viktoriya and Diana shared their vision for the project: “The ultimate
goal is to leave this planet better-off for future generations. We’d like our kids to spend time in lush and wholesome forests; not dusty, plant-less streets nor abandoned, contaminated beaches.” By promoting a culture of recycling in Kharkiv, these FLEX alumnae are working toward the realization of this vision.
Great job Viktoriya and Diana!
Written by Vadym Hladun ’16
