University Recycling advocates zero-waste events

With weather warming and the school year coming to a close, many departments are planning end-of-the-year barbecues, meetings and events. University Recycling hopes event planners include environmental sustainability in their party plans.

The WSU Sustainability Initiative Executive Policy 24, which passed in November 2005, “seeks to provide an exemplary teaching, research and outreach environment that fosters the conservation of natural resources, supports and enhances social responsibility, addresses community and economic development, and follows environmental, social and economic practices,” according to the initiative’s vision statement.

Judi S. Dunn
, recycling/sustainability education coordinator for University Recycling, hopes staff, faculty and students will keep the environment in mind while planning their soirées, by hosting a “Zero-Waste” event.

Dunn’s tips on minimizing waste during large events include:

·
Using reusable and durable napkins, dishes and utensils or purchasing biodegradable utensils through University Recycling

·
Including finger food on the menu instead of food requiring extra plates and utensils

·
Utilizing WSU compost services

·
Ordering Zero Waste Event kits through Central Stores, which include compostable bags, plates, bowls, utensils, hot and cold cups and napkins

·
Including a paper bin for papers, programs or fliers to be properly recycled

·
Using durable decorations, so as not to create more waste

·
Having a volunteer stand near the waste and recycling bins, to ensure materials go in the right containers

·
Using community vendors when ordering food, to support the local economy and environment

·
Sharing supplies with other departments and offices instead of buying new supplies for each event

“You just have to think outside the box,” Dunn said.

Planning a successful sustainable event is possible, as shown at the 2005 All Campus Zero-Waste Picnic, which recycled 99.9 percent of its waste materials totaling 1,976 pounds. The College of Veterinary Medicine Dean’s Staff Advisory Committee recycled 94 percent of its waste materials, which totaled 106 pounds.

University Recycling wants to make it as easy as possible for event planners to put on a successful—and sustainable—event. The department is available to work with caterers and event planners to create a menu and list of supplies that minimize harm to the environment.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” Dunn said.

For more information on the WSU sustainability initiative, go to http://www.wsu.edu/~forms/HTML/EPM/EP24_WSU_Sustainability_Initiative.htm. For help planning a Zero-Waste event, contact University Recycling at (509) 335-8094, or visit its Web site at www.wsu.edu/recycle/.

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