U Central Florida Debuts Reusable To-Go Box Program
The University of Central Florida has launched the Green Thread Reusable To-Go Box Program. The initiative will provide students, faculty, and staff with reusable to-go containers with every fall meal plan purchased. The containers are made of polypropylene, a heat-resistant plastic that will be usable for up to two years before being recycled. The program will also include a reusable cup and bag.
U Notre Dame Partners with Office Depot for Box-Free Program
The University of Notre Dame (IN) has partnered with Office Depot to launch the Tote Program. Instead of using boxes, campus Office Depot deliveries will be shipped inside reusable green plastic bins called "totes." The program is expected to save 9.6 tons of cardboard and plastic annually. The totes will reduce campus-related carbon dioxide emissions by 53 metric tons annually.
Maharishi U Management Students Build Industrial Can Crusher
Students in Maharishi University of Management 's (IA) Sustainable Living Program have designed and built an industrial can crusher as part of the course, Materials and Methods for Sustainability. The University’s Department of Food Services was discarding one-gallon cans rather than recycling them. Instead of purchasing an electric machine to flatten the cans, students built a human-powered press using the basic principles of leverage. The mechanism applies over 1,000 pounds of pressure. After three weeks of operation, Food Services had already recycled nearly 1,000 pounds of steel.
Brigham Young U Hawaii Turns Biofuel Waste Into Soap
Brigham Young University, Hawaii students have begun taking waste from biodiesel fuel production and turning it into hand soap. For years the University has taken used cooking oil from restaurants and turned it into biodiesel. The soap is created from glycerol, a byproduct of biodiesel production. The University is expected to save $15,000.
Campuses Prevent Waste from Going to the Landfill
Campuses in the U.S. and Canada held end-of-the-year move-out collections to prevent items in good condition from going to the landfill. Items were collected and donated to charity, sold at campus yard sales, and saved for sales during move-in this fall.
U Connecticut Unveils Compost Facility
The University of Connecticut has unveiled a new compost facility. The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources plans to start composting manure, animal bedding, and leaves. The facility is expected to compost more than 2,500 tons of agricultural waste a year. Composting will have several environmental benefits including reduction of nutrients in storm water and minimization of methane emissions.
U Mass Medical School Begins Online Supply Swap
The University of Massachusetts Medical School has launched "Surplus With A Purpose" (SWAP), a new internal website that allows departments to post surplus office supplies, furniture, or laboratory equipment so others on campus can put them to good use and keep them out of the landfill. Medical School employees can search for items by category, or add information about surplus materials to the listing.
U Mass Medical School Feeds Food Scraps to Pigs
The University of Massachusetts Medical School has begun a composting program on campus. The institution now feeds 100 gallons of food scraps per week from the kitchens at its University Campus to a local farmer's pigs. The food waste involved is vegetable trimmings from the kitchen, leftovers from the salad bars, and unsold prepared foods, such as half-filled pans of entrees and pre-packaged items that remain unsold past their expiration date. The program does not include food left on people’s trays—that is still considered trash. The arrangement between the farmer and University Campus is strictly cooperative—there are no fees involved for either party.
Yale U Composts Food Waste
Yale University (CT) dining halls have begun composting. Instead of incinerating its food waste, the University sends 100 percent of all waste from 11 functional residential college dining halls and commons to a composting facility. The facility will use the compost to create nutrient-rich soil. Yale hopes to be able to use the soil additives on its own grounds.
U Alabama Huntsville Receives Recycling Bin Donation
University of Alabama, Huntsville has been selected by Alcoa as the recipient of 500 recycling containers. The recycling bins will be a vehicle for bringing residence halls into the campus recycling program. The cost of collection containers has previously prevented the University from expanding the recycling program. The donation will fully meet the University’s needs and will allow the program to grow.
Syracuse U Computer Becomes Greener
Syracuse University (NY) has opted to rebuild 30 6-year-old training PCs instead of purchasing new ones. Syracuse's Energy and Computing Management department chose this more sustainable computing option because it bypassed the need to purchase new desktop hardware, while also saving University resources and energy.
Central Michigan U Students Reduce Waste to Improve Soil
The Central Michigan University Student Environmental Alliance has begun collecting food scraps from student dining services in order to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. More than 1,000 pounds of waste have been collected for compost since the program began. The Student Environmental Alliance hopes to save money for the institution and create nutrient rich soil. Food produced in the gardens is donated to local food pantries and soup kitchens.
Cornell U Releases Video on Composting Efforts
Cornell University (NY) has released a two-minute video illustrating how the campus has enhanced its composting operation. The new system reduces the University's total waste stream by half.
USA Today Writes About Green Graduation Gowns
USA Today has published an article on the recent increase in the number of colleges and universities that have switched to graduation gowns that are either made from plastic bottles or made to be biodegradable, replacing petroleum-based polyester gowns used in the past. Institutions mentioned included University of New Hampshire, Colby College (ME), and University of Vermont. Other institutions wearing "green" gowns at graduation ceremonies this year include Southern Connecticut State University, Quinnipiac University (CT), and Wake Forest University (NC).
Wilmington U Starts Composting Program
Wilmington University (DE) has begun a new composting program in its Cafe. Containers for compostable waste will be provided in the kitchen and lobby. The waste collected will be taken to the Wilmington Organic Recycling Center for compost.
Associated Press Covers Green College Graduation Caps and Gowns
The Associated Press has published an article on the growing number of colleges and universities that are holding environmentally-friendly commencement ceremonies this year. The article mentions the recent introduction of eco-conscious graduation gown by academic apparel manufacturers. Caps and gowns can be made from recycled plastic bottles or be biodegradable. Higher education institutions noted in the article include the University of New Hampshire, Colby College (ME), and the University of Vermont.
Meredith College Opens Trade ReUse Store
Meredith College (NC) has opened Daisy Trade, a campus store that allows students to take and/or donate items such as clothing, books, shoes, and room accessories. The store is open primarily to students, but special events for faculty and staff will be scheduled throughout the year. Donation drives are also planned. The Daisy Trade is a project of Meredith’s Office of Residence Life, the Office of the Sustainability Coordinator, and the Interior Design Program.
Mountain State U Initiates Campus-Wide Recycling
Mountain State University (WV) has initiated a campus-wide recycling program. As part of the initiative, 210 recycling stations have been placed throughout campus, enabling MSU faculty, staff, students, and visitors an opportunity to place unwanted paper, plastic, and aluminum in a recycling bin rather than a trash can.
Queen's U to Ban Sale of Bottled Water on Campus by 2015
Queen's University (ON) Principal Daniel Woolf has committed to reducing and eventually ending the sale of bottled water on the Queen’s campus. A plan will be established in early fall 2010 for limiting and eventually ending the sale of bottled water within five years, subject to contractual obligations with the University’s beverage providers. As the University’s contracts with concession holders, food service providers and soft drink companies come up for renewal over the next few years, re-negotiations will include removing bottled water as an option for sale. Enhancements to existing access to municipal drinking water on campus are being considered as part of the plan.
Texas State U Collects 20K Lbs During E-Waste Event
Texas State University, San Marcos has announced that a recent event helped to collect more than 20,000 pounds of electronic waste from the campus and the community. Approximately 170 participants brought in an average of 120 pounds of electronic waste each. Most of the collected items will be recycled at facilities located within the United States by reselling working items and “demanufacturing” the old, non-working equipment to component level, processing the components back into raw materials for use in new products. Additionally, about 30 computers needing rehab were donated to the Computers for Learning Program.
U California Los Angeles Launches Single-Stream Recycling
The University of Southern California, Los Angeles Campus Recycling Action Research Team has debuted single-stream recycling on the UCLA campus and has expanded the number of recycling bins on campus. All trash bins are now paired with recycling receptacles.
Christian Science Monitor Covers Green College Graduation Gowns
Christian Science Monitor has published an article on the growing number of colleges and universities that are switching to green graduation caps and gowns and are implementing green initiatives such as offering diplomas made from recycled paper and taking sustainability pledges as part of the ceremony. Most green gowns are made from recycled plastic bottles. The article mentions California Western School of Law, University of Texas at Austin, Harper College (IL), and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
Michigan State U Unveils Recycling Initiative
Michigan State University has unveiled "Going Green," a campus-wide recycling initiative. As part of the initiative, 210 recycling stations will be placed throughout campus enabling MSU faculty, staff, students, and visitors an opportunity to place unwanted paper, plastic, and aluminum in a recycling bin rather than a trash can.
U Guelph Ridgetown Receives $2.3M for Anaerobic Digester
The University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus has received more than $2.3 million for the construction of an anaerobic digester and demonstration lab through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. The digester, which will generate approximately 250 kilowatts, has been nicknamed the "legless cow" because it takes in organic matter and churns out heat, carbon dioxide, and methane, which is burned to produce power. The anaerobic digester will use manure from the livestock operations on campus as well as other material gathered from local farms and processors. The operation and management of the machine will become part of the curriculum.
U Massachusetts Medical School Reduces Printers on Campus
The University of Massachusetts Medical School has begun a pilot program to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions attributed to the use of desktop printers. Launched in March, the program has already found a 1:1 ratio between employees and printers in at least two school departments. Since the industry standard calls for one printer for every 10 employees, these early results point to a significant opportunity for increasing efficiency and lowering energy costs across the school. The institution seeks to switch to offering multi-function devices positioned in common areas.
Unity College Switches to Online Course Evaluations
Unity College (ME) has announced plans to replace its paper course evaluations with an online version starting this spring. The College, which has around 540 students, expects to reduce annual paper use by 8,000 sheets through this measure. In addition to saving paper, online course evaluations are expected to be more comprehensive, more accurate, and more expedient. They’ll also be less time intensive for staff processing, and will take place out of the classroom, giving faculty more instructional time at the end of the semester.
Arizona State U to Expand Recycling Collection
Arizona State University has announced plans to place a recycling bin next to almost every trash bin on campus this semester in an effort to increase recycling rates by making receptacles more accessible. The University is pairing the initiative with an education campaign to help reduce bin contamination.
Lehigh U to Reduce Paper Use on Campus
Lehigh University (PA) has announced plans to reduce the number of pages students are allowed to print each semester. The institution also plans to remove printers from residence halls and greek houses. The money saved from the effort will be used to improve high-speed wireless capabilities.
U Michigan Sponsors Area E-Waste Recycling
The University of Michigan's Office of Sustainability recently partnered with the Ann Arbor Public Schools to sponsor a free e-waste recycling event to help residents, small businesses and non-profit organizations get rid of electronics in a more environmentally-friendly way. Accepted items included computer systems and accessories, audio/video equipment, hand-held devises such as cell phones and pagers, and other office equipment such as fax machines, printers, typewriters, scanners, and telephones.
Champlain College Aims to Reduce E-Waste
Champlain College's (VT) Information Services and Sustain Champlain, a group of faculty, staff and students dedicated to monitoring and reducing the college's environmental impact, have launched the "E-waste not for Landfills" campaign. As part of the initiative, there are now five blue cylinder bins located around campus to provide a way for people to properly dispose of their smaller electronics. Physical Plant workers will collect the recycled items until a local-based company picks them up. Acceptable materials for the recycling program include: CDs, DVDs, diskettes, printer cartridges, any handheld electronic device (cell phones, pagers, PDAs, iPods), batteries, chargers, and related cords and cables. In related news, Champlain will also host an electronic swap in which students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to swap or donate unwanted usable or unusable electronics.
Pomona College Installs Compost Bins
Pomona College (CA) has installed compost bins across campus to supplement ongoing efforts at the campus organic farm. The initiative was launched with funds from the President's Advisory Committee on Sustainability (PACS). Items that can be composted include produce, vegan food scraps, biodegradable paper, and thin paper products, such as tissues. If students begin to use the bins regularly, the committee plans to purchase four more. PACS has already purchased 20 smaller compost buckets that students can keep in their rooms or halls. The compost collected in the bins will ultimately be taken to the campus organic farm.
Humboldt State U Holds Clothing Swap
Humboldt State University (CA) recently held a Campus Recycling Program Clothing Swap. During the event, students were invited to bring clean and gently used clothing to a designated room on campus where they could swap items with others. Students were not required to bring pieces of their own wardrobe to be able to take home clothes.
Lehigh U, Lafayette College Offer Eco-Friendly Graduation Gowns
Lehigh University (PA) and Lafayette College (PA) have announced plans to offer environmentally friendly graduation gowns this year. Lehigh University has opted to offer graduation gowns that will be used in the future. After the ceremony, gowns will be cleaned with earth-safe products. Lafayette College's gowns will be made to be worn once and to quickly biodegrade. The gowns are made from acetate fibers made of wood from managed forests and decompose completely within a year of being buried in soil.
Pennsylvania State U Installs Pilot Water Refilling Stations
Pennsylvania State University has installed four water refilling stations for students and employees in order to research the stations' practicality and whether they reduce the use of bottled water. The stations were donated by three difference companies.
UMass Medical School Donates Office Furniture
The University of Massachusetts Medical School and the Office of Community Affairs, has donated surplus office furniture and equipment to five local nonprofit organizations. The school’s warehouse contains work stations, desks, chairs, file cabinets, book cases, and many other office items that are all in reasonably good shape, but no longer used by the department that first bought them. Rather than ship the material to a landfill, the school’s Facilities Department collaborated with Resource Max, a program started last year to work with school departments to optimize operations, to develop a program to make it easier for other UMMS departments to locate and retrieve items in the warehouse that could be of use rather than buying new. If no other department claims an item, it is then made available to community groups.
U Richmond Starts Student Run Compost Project
At the University of Richmond (VA) students and Backyard Farmer, a local business, recently constructed 10 composting units and one compost ingredient holding unit. The units will be operated by students and assisted by Backyard Farmer during the next year. The goal is to produce rich soil for the on-campus community garden. The initiative, URot, is part of a larger university project, GreenUR. The installation of the composting bins is the culmination of months of collaboration between GreenUR, Backyard Farmer, the Earth Lodge program and University Facilities, which cleared the land needed for the composting units. The composting project is the first student-run composting initiative at the University.
U Wisconsin Green Bay Changes Font to Use Less Ink
The University of Wisconsin, Green Bay Department of Computing and Informational Technology has announced plans to use Century Gothic instead of Arial as the default e-mail typeface. The former uses 30 percent less ink when printed to paper. The University expects to conserve ink and save money as a result of the change.
Rochester Inst of Technolgy PhD Student Wins Intl Scholarship
Rochester Institute of Technology (NY) first year PhD candidate was awarded the 2010 Jacqueline Shields Scholarship for Waste Management Research. The international scholarship goes to doctoral students conducting original research in pollution prevention, sustainable design, and waste reduction. The student, Errin Ryen, will utilize the scholarship to improve the recyclability and end-of-life management of electronic devices such as computers and cell phones.
UMass Medical School Reduces Bio-Waste
The University of Massachusetts has significantly reduced its bio-waste. Over the past year, the institution has reduced its hazardous bio-waste collection from chemotherapy activities by 59 percent by physically removing non-hazardous items. Given the success of the sorting program for chemotherapy waste, the process has been expanded for 2010 to include all other hazardous pharmaceutical wastes on campus.
Harvard U Starts Key Recycling Program
Harvard University's (MA) Office of Sustainability has begun collecting old or duplicate keys to recycle. The keys are melted down and sold to scrap metal companies. Since the program began in January, Harvard has generated $75. The money will be donated to local charities.
Davis & Elkins College Starts Recycling Program
Davis & Elkins College (WV) has started a recycling program in campus dorms. The program was formed by the student group “GreenWorks!” and the Center for Sustainability Studies. The two groups helped to assemble recycling bins to be placed in the campus' four dorms.
U Buffalo Converts Food Waste to Compost
The University at Buffalo (NY) has purchased a food waste decomposer to reduce the amount of waste going to the landfill. About 350 - 400 buckets of food waste are processed through the decomposer each week and turned into compost that is used by local farmers.
Luther College Printing Cap Reduces Paper Usage
Luther College (IA) has announced that it has significantly reduced its printing paper use in the 2009-10 academic year due to the college’s implementation of the GoPrint print management solution in January 2009. With approximately 2,200 students on campus during fall semester 2009, each with a GoPrint allocation of 400 pages of printing, there was the potential for nearly 900,000 pages to be printed; however, only 307,948 pages were actually used. GoPrint, a program that tracks printing usage and allocates printing costs on campus, is part of a campus-wide effort to reduce paper waste and encourage better management of resources. The printing service was implemented as part of the Luther College Library and Information Services sustainability effort to reduce the amount of printing done on campus.
SUNY ESF Starts Aerated Composting Program
At the State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, the student environmental group Green Campus Initiative (GCI) has begun an aerated composting program on campus. By working with O2Compost, a national composting company, GCI was able to obtain the necessary equipment and has placed a number of collection bins in campus snacking areas. ESF's aerated composting system will take one month to produce Grade A compost, which is safe and usable, compared to the 90 days required for traditional composting. The organization hopes to expand collection so that students who live off campus will be able to compost as well.
U Colorado Boulder Starts Dual-Stream Recycling
The University of Colorado, Boulder has adopted a new dual-stream recycling system to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills. Now, all paper products can go into one bin and all co-mingled items can go into another. Student workers separate them at the recycling facility. The University believes this new dual-system will capture 800-1,000 tons of recyclables that would otherwise have gone to a landfill.
U Pennsylvania Launches Composting Program with Waste Campaign
The University of Pennsylvania has completed a one-week waste-reduction campaign in campus dining halls to help diners understand how to reduce food waste and launch Penn’s new composting program. As part of the Scrape Bucket Challenge, students were asked to scrape whatever was left on their plates into large containers located in each dining facility on campus. The containers were measured each day to track the level of food waste over the course of the week. The campaign was combined with the University's participation in RecycleMania.
U Portland Bans Bottled Water Sales on Campus
The University of Portland (OR) has banned the sale of bottled water on its campus. The decision was viewed as an environmental and social justice issue. The University hopes this will reduce waste on campus and encourage students to drink tap water and use reusable containers.
U California Davis Dorm Programs Switch to Reusable Dishware
The University of California, Davis has introduced Aggieware, an initiative that utilizes reusable dishes and compostable napkins for any residence hall event or program where food is served. The University expects the program to pay for itself within two years with decreased paper plate purchases. Every UC Davis resident advisor stores a set of Aggieware in his or her room for the floor's use.
U Pennsylvania Organizes E-Waste Collection
The University of Pennsylvania has organized an electronics waste recycling collection. During the collection, Penn students, faculty, and staff will be able to drop off their old electronics and computer hardware from home for free disposal through the University's e-waste recycler, which ensures that the materials will be processed and recycled, destroyed, or displaced in an environmentally correct manner in accordance with all local, state, and federal regulations.
Luther College Begins Vermicomposting Program
Luther College (IA) students have started disposing of food waste in worm composting bins installed in seven residence halls by students from the Luther Sustainability program. The process, known as vermicomposting, allows students to place their fruit and vegetable food waste, as well as shredded newspapers, paper receipts, and old class notes in the compost bins where red worms will convert it to organic matter. Once the waste is converted to vermicompost, it will be used to fertilize the Luther Gardens.
