Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

• Established Otterbike Sharing Program in Fall 2009.
• Received a grant of $8,588 from the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) to fund a new campus recycling initiative called OTTERCYCLE: A Recycling Awareness and Expansion Program.
• Joined AASHE, the American Association for Sustainability in Higher Education, in 2008, which solidified the College's commitment to further sustainable methods.
• Hired its first Recycling Coordinator, Paul Baldridge, in 2008. Paul has helped to develop a campus-wide recycling program. Recycling bins are now strategically placed throughout campus.
• Standing Committee on Environmental Sustainability was formed in 2008.
• Trayless Cafeteria - This year Otterbein College has gone trayless in the Cardinal's Nest. Our dining hall no longer provides trays to students but has followed a growing trend that encourages students to use only a plate as they go through the cafeteria line. By going trayless it has been documented that less water and electricity is consumed and less food waste is generated.
• Compact Florescent Light (CFL) Exchange - In cooperation with the City of Westerville, the College is distributing CFL's within the campus community. These lights will replace incandescent bulbs resulting in the reduction of electricity use on campus. The City provided 700 bulbs to the College.
• Move-Out Event - Faculty sponsored a reuse and recycling event last year that resulted in tons of material being diverted from the landfill. This event collected furniture, small appliances, and various supplies that were destined for the waste dumpsters. These items were redirected to local charities and recyclers.