"Zero Waste" and UVM

"Zero Waste" refers to a philosophy of changing our business practices, our personal and institutional habits, and our purchasing decisions to result in less waste or "zero" waste. Sometimes also called: waste reduction or waste prevention . Recycling and composting practices are good, but our ultimate goal is to create "less waste" in the first place and to use our materials and resources more wisely. Here are some examples:

• Tray-Free Dining: University Dining Services eliminated the use of trays in three "all you care to eat" resident dining areas. This action has reduced the amount of "post consumer" food leftovers by about 40%.
  
  
•  UVM Telecommuncations Department discontinued publishing the hardbound copy of the Staff, Faculty & Student Directory. This decision has eliminated seven (7) tons of telephone books annually from our system.
  
  
• Procurement Services contracts with an office supply vendor who uses reusable corrugated plastic shipping boxes to deliver supplies around campus. This practice has greatly reduced the use of corrugated cardboard shipping boxes on campus.
  
  
• Browse the menu to the left to learn more about our Zero Waste practices.

Zero Waste Links Beyond UVM

• GRRN - Zero Waste
• ZWA's Case for Zero Waste