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
Responsible Consumption Initiatives
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.