7. Stop generating waste and stop wasting it.

1) Paper

The paper that St. Olaf currently purchases contains 30% recycled content

Reduce paper use by one percent a year by putting more information on the Web, making printing on both sides the default setting for college printers, and encouraging printing on scrap paper

Buy recycled paper with high proportions of post-consumer waste

Use lighter-weight paper when possible

Feature recycled paper in St. Olaf publications and stationery

Use unbleached (dioxin-free) paper for printing and letterhead

Sell recycled paper products in the bookstore; install signs explaining why

Apply for a Faculty Development grant to teach faculty how to work with electronic papers

Start buying printers and copy machines that can handle paper with higher recyclable content, and that can print on both sides

Prefer suppliers with sustainable forest practices (conserving biodiversity, protecting soil and water quality, etc.), and state of the art pulping and bleaching practices

Prefer suppliers who give us more stuff and less packaging

Research best practices in paper production and procurement, and post results on "Black and Gold and Green" website

2) Food waste

Reduce pre-consumer waste in food preparation

Reduce line waste by reducing options for students late in meal periods. Another possibility is allowing students to serve themselves for the entrees. This would hopefully reduce unnecessarily large portions.

Compost food waste from the cafeteria and Cage

Convert from plastic to biodegradable plates and utensils in all food facilities

Use biodegradable plates and utensils in outdoor events, and provide bins to sort waste

Offer composting possibilities for honor houses

3) Electronic waste

Trace the waste flow of discarded computers. What happens to heavy metals, silver, lead?

4) Batteries

Expand recycling of batteries on campus

5) Toxic waste

Use "green chemistry" techniques to minimize toxic wastes from science labs

Use "green cleaners" in custodial work

Avoid chemical herbicides and pesticides as much as possible: utilize integrated pest management

6) Water waste

Reduce water used in landscaping

Reduce water used in toilets, showers, bathrooms (low-flow showerheads, toilets, composting toilets?)

Monitor and reduce water use in science labs

7) End of year waste

Work with local Boy Scouts to gather the stuff that gets thrown out when students go home, for a garage sale