From individual students to entire departments, members of the Carleton community are making efforts to reduce the amount of waste they produce. Whether it be maintaining already existing structures and equipment, focusing on cutting consumption or finding creative ways of reusing, a blend of innovation and conservation continues to flourish on the campus and beyond.

Waste Reduction:

• In an effort to reduce the amount of energy used in the Rec Center, the staff monitors the building and turns of lights that are not in use

• ITS has changed the default printing mode on all public computers to duplex. This has reduced drastically the amount of paper that was previously being wasted.

• Several old computers were donated to the Northfield Schools and to local artists.

• ITS reuses certain components of damaged computers before they are sent off to be disposed.

• All dorms and most academic buildings on campus have bins designated for bottles, cans, paper and cardboard recycling.

• Custodial Services are partnering with Nycore, a company that recycles used carpets into boards which can be used as a substitute for plywood and roofing shingles.

• Students living in college-owned off-campus houses are able to compost their food waste in on-site composting barrels. The compost is used in campus flower beds and the student-run organic vegetable garden.

Re-Use

• Custodial Services in conjunction with the residential life department has intensified the end-of-term donation campaign. Last year’s spring garage sale was so big that it had to be moved to the gigantic West Gym. This initiative reduced the amount of waste that is usually disposed at the end of the term by approximately one-third.

• Custodial Services has facilitated the donation of old furniture to Brigding Inc, a non-profit organization that provides furniture for families in transition.

• In the Recreation Center, towels that are not in good condition for taking showers are turned into rags which are then used for cleaning equipment.

• Recycled latex paint is used in college housing units.

Preventative Maintenance:

• The Recreational Center brings in experts periodically to check that equipment is working properly and to repair minor problems. Such maintenance ensures the longest lifespan for the current equipment.

Conservation Capacity Building:

• The Custodial Service is now a member of Minnesota Waste Wise organization which provides expertise on how to deal with waste in an environmentally conscious manner. Additionally, they are helping to reduce water waste by using more efficient equipment.

• Custodial workers also receive intensive training on how to use equipment and chemicals properly so that their products and processes can be used effectively.

• ITS gives damaged computers to Materials Procession Corporation (MPC) which recycles electronic waste and dispose others in a responsible manner.