Pledge With Purpose: A Call to Action for a Zero Waste Campus at Boston University
As we stand at the crossroads of environmental stewardship and community engagement, a transformative movement is underway at Boston University. ‘Pledge with Purpose’ was created to rally students and members of the Boston University community in a collective commitment to creating a Zero Waste campus environment. Why ‘Pledge with Purpose?’ Because, over 90% of what […]
Your Guide to Demystifying Recycling at BU
You may wonder, “Why does this item with a recycling symbol not go into the recycling bin?” Or “I didn’t realize this could be recycled.” It can be confusing, but we are here to help demystify recycling and help you better sort your waste. In Massachusetts, we have one of the best recycling systems in […]
Reusing at BU – our community takes action to make old new
When you are at home or in your office, you probably recycle and may even think about how you can reduce your waste. But have you thought about the other “R”: Reuse! Here at BU, we have buildings that reuse energy, students that launch startups that help us reuse food, and organizations that engage with […]
Meet Sarah Healey and learn how she makes recycling happen
What do you do at BU Sustainability, and what brought you here to BU? I am the Zero Waste Manager here at BU. My job is to implement and manage the Zero Waste Plan, which is to have a Zero Waste campus by 2030. My day-to-day responsibilities include managing vendors, such as our trash and […]
Sustainable Move In Tips
Sustainability is all about making a positive impact on people and the world. Everything you do has an impact—on our university footprint and on the people, you’ll encounter in your journey here. Keeping that in mind will help guide your actions AND your experiences as you progress in your journey as a BU Terrier. We […]
Sustainable Purchasing Organization Recognizes BU’s Leadership
When you’re as big as BU, what we buy has a substantial impact on our environment and the economy. That’s why it’s crucial for BU to tap into best practices for environmentally preferred purchasing. In support of that, BU is a member of the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council (SPLC). Here are some recent developments regarding BU’s […]
BU’s Waste Diversion During COVID-19
COVID-19 has caused a shift in behavior surrounding waste that inevitably altered our data on waste diversion for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021. Last year at BU, the volume of single-use items increased in response to COVID-19. Takeaway containers from the dining hall and other food venues on campus were essential for maintaining social distancing and limiting the spread of the virus. While necessary, such practices increased the amount of waste sent to landfills or incinerators (facilities that burn trash). Key data points In FY 2021 BU diverted 31% of waste from landfills […]
Zero Waste Awareness Campaign: November 2021
After kicking off the BU Zero Waste awareness campaign in October, November’s focus is on the lifecycle impact of items that become waste. Every ton of waste is the result of 71 tons upstream, so it’s clear that BU’s Zero Waste efforts will have an impact beyond our campuses. Check out BU’s Zero Waste Plan to find how you can help […]
Submit your Idea: Sustainability Innovation Seed Grant
From climate change resilience to Zero Waste, BU students are developing innovations to address our most pressing challenges. Get Funding To Launch Your Sustainability Idea Through a partnership by BU Sustainability and Innovate@BU, the Sustainability Innovation Seed Grant offers funding and resources to student teams. Students may apply for up to $500 to cover the […]