One of UNT's missions is to be green and support environmental education for ages five to 95. What does the university have that uses solar power, captures rain water, provides a habitat for insects and animals, and is green all over?

A. The Mean Green Machine
B. Boomer
C. The Spirit Bell
D. My Green Play Office

The correct answer is D. My Green Play Office is a sustainable play house located in the Elm Fork Education Center's Outdoor Environmental Learning Area. The play house incorporates the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design principles.

To win a free UNT T-shirt gift pack, send an e-mail with the word “Play House” in the subject line to InHouse@unt.edu by 5 p.m. Nov. 6. The winner will be selected at random from all e-mails received.

My Green Play Office was donated by the Red River Rodeo Association to the Hearts and Heroes fundraiser auction held in the University Union Sept. 18. The eco-friendly play house was purchased at the auction and gifted to the university by President Gretchen M. Bataille and Denton attorney Robert Widmer.

My Green Play Office will be used by groups at the Elm Fork Education Center. Brian Wheeler, above left, assistant director of the center, says, "We will use the play house in our camps like the Go Green camp to teach middle school-aged students about sustainbability."

The play house uses solar power to run the lights, weather vane and water barrel pump. It has a green roof that absorbs less heat which lowers the temperature inside and around the building. The roof garden also provides a habitat for insects and animals. The house's water collection system works by collecting rain in a barrel which can be used for landscaping and gardening. Collecting rain water also reduces excess runoff into the storm drain system and conserves the supply of drinking water.

"There will be a good view of play house from the second floor windows in the ESSAT building," says Wheeler. "It offers a way for the Elm Fork children to learn about ways to help our environment while they play."

For more information about My Green Office or the Elm Fork Education Center's programs, contact Wheeler.