We all know that events and activities we host on campus have an impact on the environment. But they’re also a critical part of how we engage with students, peers, alumni, parents, etc. Now there’s an easy way to help make your event more environmentally friendly AND get some good publicity for doing so. Here’s how it works:
The Sustainability Office is glad to partner with you to turn your event into a
Zero Waste, Zero Carbon event by focusing on three key principles.
- Eliminate all trash sent to the landfill
- Power all plug-load energy demand from our portable solar battery system
- Avoid two high carbon emissions products (beef and outdoor space heaters)
1. Eliminate all trash to landfill
The Sustainability Office can help you source certified compostable alternatives to common disposable items, such as plates and cutlery. For cups we prefer to use Reuzzi mugs for student events (which requires one of our staff to be on hand to distribute the mugs), but compostable cups are also acceptable. When compostable disposables are used, we will also help set up a “Zero Waste Station” with clear signage. You are expected to staff the Zero Waste Station during the event to help avoid contamination of the compost stream. After the event you are responsible for delivering the bagged compostables to a certified composting facility.
2. Clean Energy Sourcing
The Sustainability Office has a portable solar-powered battery system that can accommodate numerous plugs. In order for your event to qualify as Zero Carbon you should use this battery system for all plug-load demand (everything you need plugged in). A qualified Sustainability staff will set this up and take it down for you.
3. High Carbon Products
To qualify as Zero Waste, Zero Carbon, your event should not use outdoor space heaters (which use a tremendous amount of energy) and must avoid all beef (the carbon emissions of the global livestock industry is over twice the emissions of the entire United States economy).
What we’ll do:
- Help you find and source certified compostable disposables
- Provide you with a “Zero Waste Station” banner and advice on how to set up the station
- Provide staff at the event to check out Reuzzi mugs (if needed)
- Provide staff to set up and take down the portable solar battery system
What you commit to:
- Purchasing only disposable items that are approved by the Sustainability Office
- Provide staff at the “Zero Waste Station” during the event to avoid contamination
- Deliver the bagged compostable waste to a certified composting facility
- Commit to using only the portable solar battery system for all plug needs
- Commit to not serving beef and not using outdoor space heaters
To set up a Zero Waste, Zero Carbon event, please contact Brian Webb (bwebb@wooster.edu) in the Sustainability Office, preferably at least two weeks before your event occurs.