Tagged: Sustainability

The Ohio State University has been awarded the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) most prestigious recognition, the Encouraging Environmental Excellence (E3) Platinum Achievement Award for 2024. 

“This honor reflects Ohio State’s commitment to resource stewardship and efficiency,” said Mary Leciejewski, associate director of environmental sustainability for Facilities Operations and Development (FOD). “It reaffirms our position as a leader in higher education and healthcare sustainability practices.”

The Arbor Day Foundation recognized The Ohio State University as a 2024 Tree Campus for its dedication to enhancing community well-being through tree education, investment and community engagement. 

Campus Race to Zero Waste has officially kicked off! For the next eight weeks, Ohio State will be competing against universities across the nation to see who can achieve the highest landfill diversion rate! This is our chance to show our commitment to sustainability, and we need your help! 

How You Can Make a Difference 

Whether you're in the office, classroom, or lab, everyone plays a part in reducing waste on campus. Here’s how you can support Ohio State’s zero waste goal and help us lead the pack:

America Recycles Day (November 15) is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the United States. It is an opportunity to promote environmental citizenship and take action to increase and improve recycling in America.

The Ohio State University achieved a landfill diversion rate of 41% this year. While we can be proud of this milestone, more participation in recycling is needed to achieve the university’s zero waste goal.

Join Ohio State in supporting America Recycles Day by recycling more and recycling better by:

As recently highlighted by The Lantern, Facilities, Operations and Development's (FOD) pumpkin composting site is back open. 

"When the pumpkins and other organic materials decompose in landfills, they end up generating methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas, and it contributes to climate change," said Molly Kathleen, zero waste consultant for FOD. "So, by composting our pumpkins, we can divert them from the landfills and prevent methane emissions, as well as reduce our carbon footprint."

Don’t let your pumpkins haunt the landfill after spooky season is over! Green your Halloween and return nutrients to the soil by composting them! 

Now through Tuesday, December 3, faculty, staff, and students living off-campus can drop off pumpkins and gourds in the labeled dumpster in the Uniprint parking lot located at 2500 Kenny Road. The site is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

With more than100,000 fans and visitors flocking to Ohio Stadium for each home game, the Office of Administration and Planning (A&P) works tirelessly behind-the-scenes to support the Department of Athletics and provide a safe, fan-friendly environment. Find out what it takes to host the Best Fans in the Land at the Shoe.

On September 23, Facilities Operations and Development, the Office of Student Life Recreational Sports and Transportation and Traffic Management hosted an event promoting sustainable and healthy transportation options. 

“As always, safety is our number one priority,” said Ohio State University Police Division (OSUPD) Lt. Bruce Allen. “We’re encouraging bicyclists to follow traffic rules for vehicles and ride in the road, not sidewalks, and always wear a helmet.”

The Ohio State University Columbus campus joined 2.7 million students, faculty and staff across the country in the 2024 Campus Race to Zero Waste competition. Over 30.7 million pounds of waste in total was donated, composed and recycled while 105 million single-use plastics were kept out of the landfill. That’s enough to prevent the release of 23,174 metric tons of carbon dioxide, equal to avoiding the annual emissions from 5,515 cars!

The Ohio State University was honored with the 2023 Tree Campus Higher Education recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest management.