We are resourceful together on a finite planet.
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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Bard FreeUse is a store on campus offering students gently used clothing, dishes, office supplies and more. FreeUse is open on weekdays when classes are in session. All items are Free and donations are accepted from Bard residents.
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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. Our dining partner, Parkhurst, has met goals to source 20% of food according to their sustainability standards.
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 (ES) staff empty our bins and move the bags to the curb. Next, two members of the Buildings and Grounds staff (Fred and Paul) take the bags to our Recycle Yard where BardE3 students help sort the recycle-ables (provided they are not too contaminated). The waste is sorted into four containers: bottles and cans, paper, cardboard and trash for the landfill. Once sorted, our carting company hauls the recyclables to the Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency so it can be consolidated and sold in different markets. Trash is trucked 250 miles to Ontario County Landfill.