Food, Procurement, & Waste Goals

This chapter focuses on arguably the most visible indicators of sustainability on the Vassar campus. Almost every student visits the Gordon Commons daily, and the local and vegetarian meal options available provide an immediate and tangible experience of sustainability in action. Waste, recycling, and composting have historically been significant points of concern, drawn into even greater visibility with increased single-use products due to public health protocols. And Vassar’s purchasing practices, while often remarkable examples of environmental and social consciousness, are somewhat siloed and hard to measure.

A challenge uniquely endemic to this chapter is the individual behavior change needed for these Goals and Action Steps to be successful. Expanding the local and vegetarian meal options offered through campus dining only makes a positive environmental impact if people choose to eat them. Increased availability of recycling and compost bins, coupled with a campus-wide education campaign, will still only be successful if people consciously choose to sort their waste. And even the strictest purchasing policies are still ultimately reliant on individuals and departments not finding administrative workarounds.

The Goals and Action Steps in this chapter represent Vassar’s institutional commitment to work toward a long-term goal of a zero-waste campus and a more environmentally conscious supply chain. Ultimately, though, it can only be successful through support from the entire campus community.

FPW-A: Green Purchasing Guidelines

Develop a set of Green Purchasing Guidelines and ensure at least 80% of campus purchase spending complies with them

5-Year Goal:
Develop a set of Green Purchasing Guidelines and ensure at least 80% of campus purchase spending complies with them

UN SDGs Supported:
10 – Reduced Inequalities
12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

Background:
While Vassar makes many of its procurement decisions with sustainability as a core value, there is currently no centralized set of guidelines bringing these many disparate policies and practices into a single document. The Green Purchasing Guidelines would pull together Vassar’s existing methods and build on them to create a single set of easily accessible guidelines for widespread use.

Analysis:
Developing a reasonable and achievable scope for the Green Purchasing Guidelines will be paramount for successful implementation. Certain areas, such as laboratory equipment and supplies, will require substantial stakeholder input and review.

A target of 80% compliance was selected to allow individuals/departments with unique needs and use cases to make other purchasing decisions. As non-mandatory guidelines, their ultimate success will rely on successful education and relationship-building with departments and individuals across campus.

FPW-B: Local Food Procurement

Ensure that a minimum of 20% of food purchase spending in campus dining meet standards for local food procurement, with a focus on small farms and environmentally responsible food production practices.

5-Year Goal:
Ensure that a minimum of 20% of food purchase spending in campus dining meet Bon Appetit standards for local food procurement, with a focus on small farms and environmentally responsible food production practices.

UN SDGs Supported:
2 – Zero Hunger
12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

Background:
Bon Appetit already has a stated target of 20% of its food at each operation to be sourced from local vendors, defined as vendors located within 150 miles of campus. By adding this existing target as a Climate Action Plan Goal, the Office of Sustainability can better partner with Dining Services to track progress transparently and build a joint plan to increase total local food procurement.

Analysis:
Vassar’s location and operational model pose some challenges for reaching this Goal consistently. The peak growing season for most local produce is during the summer when Vassar is not in session. Conversely, many of the products most easily sourced locally year-round are meats, cheeses, eggs, and other non-plant-based options. And given the administrative processes in place to ensure adequate procurement of food to meet campus needs, some vendors may not be compatible partners.

Reaching and maintaining this 20% threshold in a way that fits the programmatic needs for campus dining will require additional research into local options and partnerships with campus dining to create an achievable framework.

FPW-C: Community-Based Dining

Ensure that a minimum of 5% of food purchase spending in campus dining sources from the Hudson Valley region.

5-Year Goal:
Ensure that a minimum of 5% of food purchase spending in campus dining sources from the Hudson Valley region.

UN SDGs Supported:
2 – Zero Hunger
12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

Background:
2-4% of Vassar’s total dining spending comes from vendors near campus. This new requirement that 5% of all dining purchases come from Hudson Valley vendors creates a stated commitment to building wealth within the community and supporting small businesses in our region.

Purchases made toward this Goal also count toward the broader local food purchasing target in FPW-B, above.

Analysis:
As in FPW-B, finding vendors within the Hudson Valley who can provide food compatible with the campus dining program's demands is a significant challenge.

One incredibly valuable aspect of this Goal is that it places an even greater emphasis on direct investment within the community. Small farmers and food producers, especially ones from underrepresented and less privileged backgrounds, should be prioritized to maximize this goal's impact.

FPW-D: Waste Tonnage Reduction

Reduce annual campus waste tonnage by 15% relative to 2005 baseline

5-Year Goal:
Reduce annual campus waste tonnage by 15% relative to 2005 baseline

UN SDGs Supported:
6 – Clean Water and Sanitation
11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
14 – Life Below Water
15 – Life on Land

Background:
In 2005, Vassar generated approximately 1,800 tons of campus waste, with 1,450 tons directly landfilled and another 350 tons recycled or composted (a 19.5% diversion rate). Vassar made substantial progress toward reducing this total over the next decade. By 2014, total waste tonnage was down to 1,600 tons (an 11% reduction in total waste tonnage) and 450 tons recycled or composted (a 28% diversion rate).

Over the last five years, Vassar has regressed substantially in both metrics. By the end of FY19, total annual waste tonnage had increased back to 1,750 tons, and combined recycling and compost had decreased to 360 tons (a 20% diversion rate). Further research is required to determine the specific causes of this regression. The results of this research will shape ongoing waste reduction efforts.
As shown from our past ability to decrease campus waste substantially, a 15% reduction in waste tonnage relative to the baseline is aggressive but achievable.

Analysis:
The uptick in single-use plastic consumption due to campus safety protocols will likely increase Vassar’s total waste tonnage for the next year. Helping members of the Vassar community un-learn less sustainable waste disposal behaviors acquired under current practices will be crucial to our ability to meet this Goal.

FPW-E: Waste Diversion Improvement

Increase campus waste diversion rate (combined recycling and composting) to a minimum of 30%

5-Year Goal:
Increase campus waste diversion rate (combined recycling and composting) to a minimum of 30%

UN SDGs Supported:
6 – Clean Water and Sanitation
11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
14 – Life Below Water
15 – Life on Land

Background:
As noted in FPW-D, Vassar’s waste diversion rate regressed from 28% in FY14 down to 20% by the end of FY19. Though reaching a 30% diversion rate is an aggressive goal, it is a vital backstop to prevent regression below our 2005 baseline.

Analysis:
In addition to the difficulties mentioned under FPW-D, the global recycling market has shifted substantially since 2014. The export of single-use plastics abroad for recycling overseas has been drastically curtailed, and domestic recyclers are much more selective about the recyclables they accept. Even relatively minor contamination of non-recyclable products in a recycling bin can now lead to the entire bag being landfilled. Making progress on this Goal will require substantial education and signage measures.

Page updated

Report abuse