Emerson Sustainability has been busy this spring, promoting waste reduction with the WasteNot Emerson initiative. This program, led by faculty, staff, and students, aims to boost awareness about waste and highlight sustainable practices on campus.
Jacqui Moy, Emerson College’s Sustainability Coordinator, emphasized that WasteNot Emerson is a chance for everyone to learn about the environmental impact of waste and how to minimize it. Running from February 1 to March 29, the initiative includes a friendly competition as part of the Campus Race to Zero Waste (CR2ZW). This annual event pits Emerson against 96 other colleges in a bid to see who can divert the most waste from landfills. Emerson has participated since 2012, although there was a break from 2019 to 2022.
Students are not just spectators in this competition; they can also win prizes. For instance, during spring break, they can post photos of sustainable actions on their Instagram Stories as part of the WasteNot Emerson Challenge. Participants earn points for various tasks, with prizes for the top scorers: $150 for first place, $100 for second, and $50 for third.
Hazel Fitzpatrick, a junior communication major, believes initiatives like this raise awareness about sustainability. “Many students don’t realize how they can help make Emerson greener,” she noted. “WasteNot shows that there is always room for improvement in our practices.”
Another exciting aspect of the initiative is the WasteNot Art Competition, where students can submit artwork themed around sustainability. The best entries can win cash prizes, encouraging creativity while reinforcing an important message.
Throughout February and March, Emerson hosted several engaging events. In one, students sorted and weighed waste from the dining hall to understand the amount generated during a single meal. The hope is that such activities will encourage everyone to reduce waste.
In collaboration with Healing & Advocacy, students also made yarn bowls from donated yarn and participated in sustainability film screenings. This week, there’s an Office Recycling Competition aimed at getting staff involved. Departments can compete for the highest waste diversion rate, with the winning office receiving a pizza party.
Moy explained that these events are designed to foster conversations about sustainability and promote low-waste practices. Henry Weber, a sophomore, noted that while there are signs to guide recycling efforts, daily life can get hectic. He finds the clear signage helpful for reminding students about proper waste disposal.
Fitzpatrick summed it up well: sustainability is about making intentional choices every day. Simple actions, like composting your to-go cup instead of tossing it in the trash, can make a big difference.
After the WasteNot initiative wraps up, posters about waste diversion will remain around campus to keep the conversation going. These were developed to assist students in managing waste sustainably.
Looking ahead, Weber feels that while Emerson is making strides in waste management, there’s always room for improvement. “We can do more to ensure students dispose of waste properly,” he said.
For more information on campus sustainability efforts, visit Sustainable Emerson.
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