Albany, New York – The University at Albany earned Bronze-level certification from the National Wildlife Federation for its comprehensive efforts to curb single-use plastics across campus.
70 Refill Stations Fuel a Reusable Revolution
70 Refill Stations Fuel a Reusable Revolution (Image Credits: Upload.wikimedia.org)
University at Albany staff and students turned hydration habits upside down with 70 water refill stations dotting the campus. These stations pair with the Fill It Forward program, where participants track their plastic savings through reusable bottles. The university also distributes reusable swag, including bottles, bags, and flatware kits, to promote lasting behavior shifts.
Operational changes amplified these initiatives. The campus executed Phase 1 of the SUNY Single-Use Plastic Policy, which phased out plastic bags, balloons, and straws except upon request. Dine-in locations now rely on reusable dishes and flatware, while bulk condiment and flatware dispensers appear in the Campus Center and concessions areas. Such measures earned points across four key action areas: awareness-building, behavior encouragement, operational shifts, and educational outreach.
Education Takes Center Stage in Waste Reduction
The Office of Sustainability integrated plastic reduction messaging into orientation programs for new students, faculty, and staff. Tabling events, social media campaigns, and at-the-bin visual cues reinforced the message daily. Workshops like sustainable swap events further engaged the community…