| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 65.69 |
| Liaison | Alan Turnquist |
| Submission Date | July 24, 2023 |
Michigan Technological University
EN-5: Outreach Campaign
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Alan
Turnquist Director of Sustainability and Resilience Office of the President |
Has the institution held a sustainability-related outreach campaign during the previous three years that was directed at students and yielded measurable, positive results in advancing sustainability?:
Has the institution held a sustainability-related outreach campaign during the previous three years that was directed at employees and yielded measurable, positive results in advancing sustainability?:
Name of the campaign:
A brief description of the campaign:
We pursued and obtained a recycling infrastructure grant through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (EGLE) to purchase recycling bins for all residence hall rooms and to exponentially increase receptacles and signage across all academic buildings. In conjunction with the bin purchases, we created tailored signage and an informational campaign.
A brief description of the measured positive impact(s) of the campaign:
While we haven't been able to measure the impact of the residence hall room bins or academic buildings in isolation, we have seen a marked increase in the frequency of filling the compactors that service the residence halls and our overall campus diversion rate has increased. Two new student staff positions (20 hours per week total) were created to empty bins and consolidate recycling across campus, so the infrastructure changes have had a major impact.
Name of the campaign (2nd campaign):
A brief description of the campaign (2nd campaign):
Starting in the spring of 2021, we have conducted a green move-out and move-in program that collects unwanted but usable items from students during spring moveout, and and distributes the items to local charities or back to students the following fall.
A brief description of the measured positive impact(s) of the campaign (2nd campaign):
on campus residents received a full information campaign via electronic message board, signage, and communications from their Resident Assistants at in person meetings.
In the inaugural year of 2021, we collected 3500 items and diverted 2000 lbs from the landfill. In 2022, that increased to over 10,000 items and 4000 lbs of diverted materials.
https://blogs.mtu.edu/sustainability/2022/03/24/husky-exchange-2022-mtus-green-move-out-program/
A brief description of other sustainability-related outreach campaigns:
The Green Campus Enterprise researched and instituted the use of reusable dining containers to eliminate cardboard and paper waste in the Northcoast Cafe on campus. That program has resulted in nearly 500 reusable containers in circulation. Additionally, dining trays were eliminated in the residence halls since that encourages taking more food than a student typically can eat. Food wast was reduced as a result of that effort. In addition to the reusable containers, food waste is now composted in a dehydrating compost system (Eco-Vim 250) and an informational campaign raises awareness of these measures to users at the dining halls and cafe.
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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