mary ellen mallia, ph.d. director of environmental sustainability mmallia@albany

Mary Ellen Mallia, Ph.D. Director of Environmental SustainabilityMmallia@albany.edu

Greening SUNY AlbanyHelping to green New York

Sustainability at SUNY Growing awareness and emphasis placed

on sustainability in the last few yearsSustainability has become part of

strategic plans though out the systemAlmost half of the SUNY schools have

signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment

Sustainability at SUNY

Goals are being set for recycling and waste diversion rates

Many schools compete in Recyclemania

Constantly seeking new ways to recycle and divert waste

Recycling Programs

Mixed PaperCommingled items

(plastic, glass, aluminum)

MetalsElectronicsC&DTires, batteries, lights,

ink jets, toners, cell phones

UAlbany currently recycles the following materials:

Waste DiversionThe following items are diverted from the

landfill:Universal wasteYard wasteWood chippingKitchen grease oilWood palletsUse of dishware/silverware in dining halls as

opposed to disposablesElimination of traysMovement towards bulk items (such as

condiments)

Special Waste Diversion ProgramsMove out programsMove in programsPersonal electronics collection drivesReturnable collection drivesInstallation of a reverse vending machineClothing Exchanges (other items too: books,

purses)Distribution of refillable mugs and canvas

bagsDiscounts for reusable items at campus

outletsThe ban on purchasing of bottled water via

state funds (EO 18) affected catering practices

Green PurchasingGreen Cleaning products100% recycling paperAlternative fuel vehicles (electric and hybrid)Energy Star rated appliancesItems with recycled contentRegionally sourced itemsLEED standards for new buildings

Accomplishments Increased recycling ratesDiminished waste ratesExpansion on types of goods recycled and

divertedGreen cleaning procurement policies and

proceduresPromote overall awareness via outreach

to campus community

Challenges Not resting on accomplishmentsMeeting state waste reduction goalsLess control in leased facilitiesHaving a supporting infrastructure for

recycling and waste diversionFinding cost effective markets for some

products Getting the word out to campus communityCurrently investigating:

Composting/organic waste diversionMattress recycling

Outreach to campus communityWork with purchasing departmentMeet with offices that create a large amount

of external publicationsCommunicate with sustainability

coordinators or other relevant staff membersTabling at major eventsBlast email Electronic bulletinsWeb pages, facebook and twitter

Questions?Contact info:Mary Ellen Mallia, Ph.D.University at AlbanyOffice of Environmental SustainabilityMmallia@albany.eduWebsite: www.albany.edu/gogreenFacebook: UAlbany Green SceneTwitter: UAGreenScene