Tagged: Sustainability

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. 

Monday, April 22 is Earth Day, a nationally recognized day set to inspire appreciation for the environment. The Green Team Employee Resource Group (ERG) is hosting virtual and in-person events to honor Earth Day. The Green Team ERG is a group of Ohio State employees who are dedicated to improving environmental health in our communities through action and education on why it’s important to work together to make change. Celebrate Earth Day by participating in activities throughout the month of April! 

Implement best sustainability practices in your campus office or laboratory and become Green Buckeye certified. Complete an online survey to let us know what you are doing to reduce your carbon footprint and minimize waste. Learn about tips to make your space more sustainable and get recognized for your commitment.

Learn more and submit the online survey.

As highlighted by Ohio State News, Facilities Operations and Development (FOD) interns Reva Baste-Bania, Lexi Capka, Logan Gould, Maya Hammond, Mackenzie Hebert and Karissa Mitchell are not only helping the university reduce waste and increase operational efficiency, they're learning skills that have helped them in their coursework and are preparing them to enter the workforce.