October 2007

October 30, 2007

Grades are in; Tufts has been doing its homework
The Sustainable Endowment Institute has released its second College Sustainability Report Card, which grades the 200 US colleges with the largest endowments on such things as transportation, climate and energy, food and recycling, green building, investment priorities, and endowment transparency. The average grade being a C+, Tufts is excited to have raised it’s grade from last year’s B- to this year’s B+. Tufts is very proud for the recognition of all its hard work; but don’t think this means we’re planning on playing hooky or slacking off next semester :-)

Posted by Lucy at 4:22 PM
October 25, 2007
Tufts is cool, in fact we're chilly Sierra Magazine named Tufts one of America's Top
10 "Coolest" Schools

A combination of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and a new electricity contract has reduced Tufts’ emissions close to 1990 levels.

Tufts University has long been a pioneer in campus sustainability. In 1990 Tufts launched the international Talloires Declaration, now endorsed by 300 academic leaders worldwide. More than fifteen years later, campus sustainability is now part of the fabric of university life… an electric tractor mows the organic baseball field; water use is down 10% since 1990; students can rent electric and hybrid vehicles as part of a shared vehicle program; dining services offers organic and local foods and buys high efficiency appliances; renewable energy powers Sophia Gordon Hall the new residence hall (a LEED Silver building, topped with photovoltaic and solar hot water systems); the library roof is turf; recycling is a part of everyday life; and student learning is integrated into these many initiatives through research, class projects, and internships. Tufts University is a founding member of the Chicago Climate Exchange and was the first university member.

Posted by Dawn at 11:16 AM
October 22, 2007
Corporations are making it easier to recycle electronics In the technology age, students worldwide can no longer only think about recycling paper and plastics. Now, with computers, batteries, and other electronics, e-waste is collecting at a rapid pace, and with technology advancing every second – iPhone anyone? – older, electronics are being trashed at top speed! (an iPod that doesn’t play videos? That is sooo last year).

Fortunately, corporations are increasingly taking responsibility for old equipment which means there are now more consumer options for computer recycling. We just updated our list of recycling and donation options for old computers- Click here to learn how to dispose responsibly. (Although, using electronics until they become retro is the coolest thing to do)

Posted by Dawn at 12:20 PM
October 12, 2007
No Paper Hats Here Recycled fashion show smash hit finale at the National Recycling Coalition’s 2007 Expo

Does “recycled fashion show” conjure up images of Hawaiian skirts made from paper shreds or give flashbacks from Project Runway’s season three Waste Not Want Not episode? Than you need so see Nancy Judd’s Recycle Runway Collection. Her work received a well deserved standing ovation as part of Art Alley at the National Recycling Coalition’s annual conference in Denver Colorado on September 19.

Coke cans, broken glass, VHS tape, and rusty nails are just some of the materials that comprise Nancy Judd’s fantastic work. The piece show here was commissioned by the Target Corporation and is made from Target bags, recyclables, charitable donations, an employee shirt, re-used materials and trash. Click here to check out her whole portfolio.

Posted by Dawn at 11:11 AM
October 10, 2007
Paper vs. Plastic? Are you still wondering.... Read The Washingtonpost's report that reuse is best.

Tip- if you forget to bring bags on your next trip to buy groceries, just grab some from the plastic bag recycling bin. Most grocery stores have one near the check out.

Posted by Dawn at 5:10 PM
October 1, 2007
Stick-free Packaging – A Ketchup Lover’s Dream Let me set the scene: you are shaking a bottle of ketchup for the last drops when a disturbing farting noise ruins your appetite, not to mention your popularity. We’ve all been there. Not only can these sticky condiments be embarrassing, but they also pose problems for plastics recyclers. According to Sciencedaily.com, researchers from the Fraunhofer Institutes for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV are working with Munich University of Technology to develop non-stick packaging. In three years time you may never have to shake, tap or beat the bottle to get the last drops because it will slide right out. Sounds like progress....more

Posted by Lucy at 2:23 PM