One of the things that the Graduate School of Education (GSE) Green Team is most proud of is the fact that their recycling rate is so high; over 60% of the waste at the GSE is recycled. In an effort to capitalize on the environmental ethos that so clearly pervades the school, the Green Team has a few events and collections to expand the program even more.
At the annual Dean's community meeting and the annual staff holiday party, the Green Team worked with the in-house caterer, Tables of Content, to minimize the amount of trash created. The group bought compostable products, such as cups and silverware, and composted and recycled almost all of the waste from both events.
In December, the Green Team worked with Harvard Recycling to sponsor the GSE's first Freecycle, an office supply and book swap. Led by Kimberly McMahon, a Green Team member, the group collected unwanted office supplies for a few weeks before the event. Those supplies, supplemented by supplies that Harvard Recycling collects throughout the year, were put out in Conroy Commons for all to take. Excited students stocked up on books and school supplies, including new canvas totes that had the old HGSE logo on them. Staff from different departments were able to get rid of things they did not need, such as file folders and colored paper, which turned out to be just the thing that someone else needed. Not only did this give staff the opportunity to free up space in supply closets, but it saved the school money at a time when budgets are tight.
"I was astounded on the success of our supply swap―the interest and excitement from all members of the HGSE community was extremely fun and inspiring to watch! People have already begun asking me when our next one will be," stated Kimberly.
In February, the Green Team participated in Harvard Recycling's annual Valentines Day Toiletries Drive. Green Team and non-Green Team members set up boxes across the campus to collect new, unwanted toiletries and cosmetics, and the group was overwhelmed by the response. Harvard Recycling brought the toiletries collected from the whole University to the YWCA women's shelter on Valentines Day.
The Green Team's efforts to reduce waste will continue throughout the year. They plan to increase recycling awareness at the school and hope to set up composting in the café. Kimberly succinctly summarized the how the group feels, "It feels great to be increasing awareness and making small steps to save our world. Now, to take even bigger steps..."
Not only did this give staff the opportunity to free up space in supply closets, but it saved the school money at a time when budgets are tight.