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Creating a safe in-person learning environment this fall is going to require support and participation from everyone on campus. Maintaining our progress toward a more sustainable campus, likewise, needs support from everyone to be successful. Here are some ways you can contribute to decreasing our total waste, as well as a brief summary of the steps that Vassar is already undertaking.
What Vassar's Doing
What Vassar's Doing
We've ordered several hundred reusable cutlery kits for Vassar students, which can be requested through this form.
Bottled water, which we phased out of on-campus use in 2013, is only being reintroduced in limited locations. The water is sourced locally, with a journey from bottling source to distribution center to campus under fifty miles.
We're continuing to expand recycling bins and signage across campus, as quickly as the procurement and printing processes allow.
All bottled water and plastic purchases are being tracked by the Office of Sustainability and Dining. At the end of the semester, we'll be offsetting the environmental impact through support for conservation efforts like the Eagle Mountain Wilderness Preserve in Upstate New York and water restoration in drought-stricken areas of the western United States.
More broadly, the Office of Sustainability is launching a new effort geared specifically toward increasing Vassar’s resilience to climate change impacts. Even in the best-case scenarios for global emissions reductions, we must anticipate the likelihood of more extreme weather events, hotter summers, and future major public health emergencies. Over the next two semesters, this Climate Resilience Task Force will identify areas of vulnerability and begin drafting plans to prepare us for future crises.
What You Can Do
What You Can Do
If you're grabbing food from Gordon Commons and eating nearby, go back for seconds instead of filling your bag the first time through. Not only does this help cut food and plastic waste, it reduces population density inside Gordon Commons and makes it easier to keep up social distancing.
Recycle every bottle and can you can. Remember to empty them first and to not put anything other than bottles and cans in the designated outdoor recycling bins.
Request a set of reusable cutlery from the Office of Sustainability, and wash and reuse those for every meal.
Sustainable service projects like tree plantings and litter clean-ups will be available throughout the fall semester. Sign up here if you're interested in receiving invites to the events as they're scheduled.
Educate your peers! The only way any of our efforts can succeed is if everyone is contributing.
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