Approximately 1.5 tons of recycled material went into building the benches in the Alfred Plaza, a joint project by Alfred University and Alfred State College students who share this small Southern Tier village.
The proof is in the pudding… or more precisely, in the fries, bagels, cereal, cheese, milk, soft drinks, juice and bottled water, the staples of college dining hall menus.
Prompted by its students, Alfred University and AVI Fresh, a division of AVI Foodsystems, Inc. AVI Fresh, its food service partner, opted to do away with dining hall trays at the beginning of the 2008 spring semester, hoping to cut down on food waste and, at the same time, perhaps save some money.
The results are in, and they confirm what Green Alfred, a student group that promotes sustainability, and University officials surmised they would see – a reduction in food and beverage waste, and a savings in cleaning chemicals if they did away with the trays, which foster an all-you-can-carry, rather than an all-you-can-eat mentality.
Ann’s House, a new residence hall now under construction at Alfred University will provide a new, greener model for future living quarters on campus.
Ann’s House is being built on a wooded hillside on the east side of Upper Campus Drive, just above the Ford Street Apartments. Dr. Joel Moskowitz, a 1961 alumnus of Alfred University and a member of its Board of Trustees, and his wife Ann, for whom the new residence will be named, provided the leadership gift to build the facility.
With gas prices rising, Alfred University employees are being urged to consider alternatives to driving to work, from riding the bus, to carpooling, to walking or bicycling to work.
Among those who have opted for two-wheeled transportation are Kathy Woughter, vice president for Student Affairs, and Gary Roberts, director of Information Technology Services.
For both, bicycling is more about lifestyle than saving money, although that’s an obvious plus.
New York GreenFest 2009 will be held at Alfred University Aug. 7-9, 2009. Check out details!
Alfred University’s first attempt at “cashing in” on items students’ have traditionally left behind when leaving campus for the summer added up to success, say organizers.
On May 23 and 24, the University hosted a “Dump ‘n’ Run” event to raise money for several organizations on the campus and in the community.
“Dump ‘n’ Run” takes place on many campuses across the country. Before students left campus they were asked to place items they either didn’t want or couldn’t fit into their cars into designated areas. These items were then put up for sale in Davis Gym. Any items that did not sell were donated to charitable organizations for distribution to families in need. Non-perishable food items were given to local food pantries.
Nancy Freelove, “Dump ‘n’ Run” coordinator, chair of the AU Support Staff Council, and Performing Arts Division secretary, said “Dump ‘n’ “Run” collected and sold at least four dumpsters full of “stuff” and 65-70 bags of clothing. This project made a profit of over $600, all of which was donated to GreenAlfred (an on-campus organization focused on saving energy and making students more aware of ways to recycle and help the environment), AU Habitat for Humanity, the Hornell Humane Society, and the AE Crandall Hook and Ladder Co., Alfred.
“Thank you to Residence Life for the cooperation we received. Thanks to ‘Tim’ at College Suppliers for donating the posters. My personal thanks to Council members and others who volunteered many, many hours picking up, sorting, and selling.”
Callie Carmichael, a 2004 graduate of Alfred University, is a producer at CNN . The link below will bring you to the first “Living Green” episode, which she created, pitched and produced.
http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/living/2008/04/24/snow.living.green.cnn
A State University of New York Energy Task Force issued recommendations for making the system a leader in energy sustainability, education, technology, economics and public policy through a transformational integration of practice, teaching, and research.
For more, see: Link
StonyBrook has a web site on sustainability: http://www.stonybrook.edu/sustainability/
To view Fredonia’s GoGreen site, go to: http://www.fredonia.edu/gogreen/
Sustainability Is Everyone’s Issue
Institute on Sustainability at Harvard University (http://www.myacpa.org/pd/sustainability/)
June 11-14, 2008
The campus is quieter. Commencement is over. June is just the perfect time to consider campus sustainability efforts.
* What are your next moves?
* How will you establish those partnerships that will propel you forward?
* How will you remove the barriers blocking your way?
* What knowledge, awareness, and skills do you need to make a difference?
The ACPA Institute on Sustainability at Harvard University
Participants are able to attend sessions that provide information on all aspects of sustainability ranging from the basics to the advanced; to network with other college and university colleagues and with experts in the field; to celebrate the successes experienced as well as problem-solve barriers; and to have optional time to create or refine action plans. Whether you are just beginning sustainability work or looking to progress advanced efforts, the institute has something for you.
Successful sustainability efforts result from the proper tools, persistent focus, strategic support, and bountiful inspiration. Join us at Harvard University from June 11-14, 2008 and find what you need to lead your colleagues, campus and community forward.
The ACPA Institute on Sustainability
An article in Sunday’s (April 20) New York Times reports on Alfred University’s “trayless” initiative. See Link.