How can we rethink our patterns of consumption at Bard? How can you help? Sign up on our interest list, let us know if you want to be a BardE3 or farm volunteer, or apply for a paid work study job (see Handshake).
New: Map to in-line water filtration free-fill locations (thanks to BardCEP Sustainability Intern Emily Bulifant ’24)
Responsible Consumption Initiatives
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RecycleBard recycles all types of paper; glass, metal, and plastic containers; electronics; and more. We need to sort our recyclables. Containers (glass, metal and plastic) go in their own recycling bin, separate from the paper recycling. Flatten cardboard, removing any packing materials (including all non recycle-able plastic "monsters") and stack near a recycling bin.
Recycle
Bard recycles all types of paper; glass, metal, and plastic containers; electronics; and more. We need to sort our recyclables. Containers (glass, metal and plastic) go in their own recycling bin, separate from the paper recycling. Flatten cardboard, removing any packing materials (including all non recycle-able plastic "monsters") and stack near a recycling bin.
We can help you recycle special items, like toner and cell phones (even plastic bag monsters, though they are rarer these days). Electronic waste can be brought to the Office of Sustainability in Achebe House, or it can be picked up through a B&G Service Request. If you have questions about where an item should go to be recycled, feel free to contact our office—we’re here to help! Click on this guidance on better materials management in Red Hook and under the BardE3 link for a fun look at what you can recycle in the normal bins.
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ReuseBard has a FreeUse garage where we stock gently used clothing, dishes, office supplies and more. Hours for this semester are noon to 4pm weekdays and 5:30pm-8:30pm Mondays and Thursdays.
FreeUse is open when classes are in session and only accepts items from Bard campus. All items are Free and “as-is.” Anyone living in the surrounding area is welcome to put clothes and shoes in the large, blue “Helpsy” metal bin located outside FreeUse. Note: Those materials will leave campus. Follow @bard.freeuse on Instagram for the latest.
Reuse
Bard has a FreeUse garage where we stock gently used clothing, dishes, office supplies and more. Hours for this semester are noon to 4pm weekdays and 5:30pm-8:30pm Mondays and Thursdays.
FreeUse is open when classes are in session and only accepts items from Bard campus. All items are Free and “as-is.” Anyone living in the surrounding area is welcome to put clothes and shoes in the large, blue “Helpsy” metal bin located outside FreeUse. Note: Those materials will leave campus. Follow @bard.freeuse on Instagram for the latest.
We welcome volunteers to help straighten and restock. Email [email protected] to join a volunteer day. -
ToxicsBard is responsible for ensuring we responsibly manage our toxic and hazardous materials. We contract for the proper handling disposal of hazardous waste as well as electronic waste. If you have questions about an item that you think may be hazardous, review the policies at the bottom of the B&G webpage, or contact our office at [email protected].
Responsible Consumption Initiatives
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Paper and Office SuppliesThe College sources paper products that are Green Seal Certified and with postconsumer recycled content. Employees are able to choose green products from our office supply company. In 2012, 69 percent of our paper purchased had 30–100 percent recycled content. See the latest data in our Sustainability Report (STARS). -
Food and WaterIn 2020, Bard Dining was contracted to Parkhurst. Together we are evaluating sustainable sourcing commitments after purchasing more than 25 percent Real Food as part of the Real Food Challenge. Parkhurst says to “Skip the Straw:” they do not use plastic straws and are a proponent of reusable to-go containers! Highlight: 100 percent of the milk on campus is local from Hudson Valley Fresh. Learn more about our sustainable food practices at BardEATS.
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ComputersBard follows EPEAT (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool) standards in purchasing computers, printers, and other plug-in equipment. You can see the latest figures in our Sustainability Report (STARS).
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Cleaning ProductsBard’s Environmental Services Department is committed to purchasing cleaning supplies that are good for health and the environment. See the latest information in our Sustainability Report (STARS).
Buying Better, Improving Systems
Bard subcontractors are asked to follow responsible purchasing protocols. It is important to evaluate the life cycle impact of a product, from manufacturing through disposal. Some of our responsible choices include using cleaning products that are Green Seal or EcoLogo certified, buying products that meet Energy Star™ specifications for energy efficiency, and choosing paper products with postconsumer recycled content. The College follows Green Purchasing Guidelines and has committed to the Real Food Challenge™, with 25 percent of its food purchases meeting Real Food Standards. What is real food? Learn more below.
Did you know?
Our solid waste program is designed to decrease the amount of solid waste we generate. It has been working!
Since 2005 we’ve reduced our waste by 30 percent.
The Flow of Materials
Our Bins! Environmental Services staff empties our bins and moves the bags to the curb. Next, two members of the Buildings and Grounds staff take the bags to our Recycle Yard where work-study students help sort bags into larger containers. The waste is sorted into four containers: bottles/cans, all paper, cardboard and trash/landfill. Once sorted, Royal Carting takes recyclables to the Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency. Landfill waste is transferred to Columbia County, then trucked 250 miles to Ontario County Landfill.