Zero Waste
What is Zero Waste?
Zero waste is an approach to waste management that emphasizes a cradle-to-cradle theory, whereÌýa material or product is recycled into a new product at the end of its life. It strives for reduced material use, increased use of benign materials, creation of longer product lives andÌýreparability and increased ease of disassembly at end of life. Ìý
Donation Drive
During fall and spring move-out every year, we hold a reusable goods drive called Give-and-Go. Students donate everything from clothing and bedding to electronics and sporting goods. Last year we diverted over 28 tons of perfectly good items to local charities instead of it ending up in a landfill.
Composting
We collect all of our pre- and post-consumer food waste in the dining centers, which is then sent to and processed byÌýÌýin Eaton, Colorado.ÌýThey produce compostÌýand mulch, available to local companies and citizens for landscaping.
Purchasing
We conductÌýproduct purchasing using the triple bottom line, whichÌýincorporates takingÌýthe social, environmental and financial impacts into consideration when making purchases. This can include things like how the product was sourced, how far it has to travel to reach us and the amount and type of packaging it comes in.
Recycling
We recycle paper, aluminum, glass, cardboard, plastic wrap, wooden delivery pallets, light bulbs, batteries and used cooking oil (for biodiesel). We also make if very easy for students to participateÌýby providing bins almost everywhere and by providing recycling ambassadors at move-in to start educating students right away.