Green is Good 2018 by UVM Office of Sustainability

THe Guide to GReeN LIVING at UVM

P ublished by the Office Of Sustainability 2018

Credits: This guidebook was compiled by Molly Stanton (‘06) and Sarah Jane Compton (‘06) as part of an undergraduate course on Campus Sustainability taught by Emily Baldauf-Wagner (’05) and Jeffrey Gutierrez (’05) in the spring of 2005. Additional editing, research and writing were provided by Gioia Thompson, Director, Office of Sustainability; Erica Spiegel, UVM Recycling & Solid Waste Manager; and Deb Perry, Eco-Rep Program Coordinator (M.S. ’06). The 2007 and 2009 editions were edited by Erica Spiegel and Corey Berman, UVM Recycling, and Christina Erickson, Eco-Reps Program Coordinator (Ph.D ‘10). The 2012 edition was edited by Stephen Posner, Eco-Reps Program Coordinator (M.S. ‘10), and Mieko Ozeki, Sustainability Projects Coordinator. Eco-Reps Rachel Slimovitch (‘19) and Ella Halpine (‘19) edited the 2017 edition. Eco-Rep, Juliana Landis (‘20) edited the 2018 edition. This guide was printed at the UVM Print & Mail center with funding from the Office of Sustainability.

Find the latest updates for this guide at: www.uvm.edu/sustain/green-guide-updates

Printed On 100% POst-COnsumer Recycled Paper

W elcOme The University of Vermont is proud to be a leader in environmental awareness and sustainability. Lake Champlain, the Green Mountains and the Adirondacks constantly remind us why we should be good environmental stewards. This guide provides tips for you to reduce your environmental impact and help to protect the beauty and integrity of Vermont.

Table Of COntents Best Places to Enjoy the Outdoors ..................2 Getting Around.....................................................3 Recycling..........................................................4 Special Wastes & Hazardous Materials..................5 Conserving Energy................................................6 The Water You Drink...............................................7 Composting Organic Wastes...............................8 Eating with the Earth in Mind...................................9 Conscious Consumerism....................................10 Getting Involved.................................................11 Further Information.............................................12

Best Places tO enjOy the OutdOOrs Looking to escape from campus for the afternoon? Burlington is full of great places to explore. Centennial Woods

With over 65 acres of trails, Centennial Woods is one of the most frequently visited UVM natural areas. It’s a great place to go for a run, a hike, or just take a break from a stressful day. To get to Centennial Woods from Main Street, turn north onto East Avenue and turn right (east) at the stoplight opposite the hospital entrance. The trail system will begin on your left.

Waterfront Park

Take the free College Street Shuttle down to Burlington’s waterfront. If you time it right, you can watch a gorgeous sunset over the Adirondacks from the boardwalk.

Burlington Bike Path

From the waterfront you can also get to the Burlington Bike Path, a 7-mile paved trail along the Lake Champlain shoreline. This path begins at Oakledge Park in the south end of Burlington and finishes at the Winooski River on the north end. The path will take you past Burlington’s skate park, North Beach, and Leddy Beach (beach admission is free for walkers and bikers). Cross the bridge over the Winooski River to connect with the Colchester Bike Path. The Colchester Bike Path continues for 7 miles. The last 2.5 miles are gravel on the Causeway, which is a raised bike path that slices through Lake Champlain. Learn more about biking around town by visiting: www.localmotion.org

The Intervale

Ride your bike north on Prospect Street down the hill to the entrance of the Intervale — 700 acres of farms and hiking and biking trails in the floodplain of the Winooski River. www.intervale.org

Beyond Burlington

Want to take a ski trip, climb Mt. Mansfield, or try your hand at rock climbing? Check out the offerings of UVM Outing Club for trips, gear rental, and expert advice on where to go and what to do. www.uvm.edu/ outingclub/

Getting ArOund There are so many great things to do and see around the Burlington area without a car! Walk

Most of Burlington can be easily accessed on foot. It’s less than a mile from campus to Church Street!

Bike

Burlington is a bike-friendly town with many bike paths and designated lanes. When riding your bike, remember to obey all traffic laws, wear a helmet, and always lock your bike securely to a rack. UVM has a bike lending program and bike co-op, run through UVM Bikes. Bike pumps are available at residence hall front desks, and can be checked out using your Catcard. Go to: www.uvm.edu/tps/ transportation/bike/ Another biking option available for students is Greenride. With 17 “hubs” to pick up and drop off bikes in the greater Burlington area you can get just about anywhere you need to go. To sign up download the Social Bicycles app or create an account at greenridebikeshare.com. Students get a 50% discount on the annual plan which allows 60 minutes of ride time per day. Bike hubs are located at the library, Redstone Lofts, the Gutterson garage, Waterman, UVM Medical Center, and Farrell Hall on Trinity campus.

Bus

Free campus shuttle buses run daily, every 10-15 min throughout campus. Download the TransLoc Rider App for real-time locations of the buses. UVM Off-Campus Shuttles are available from 6:30 pm-midnight (SundayThursday) and 6:30 pm-3 am (Friday & Saturday). UVM students, staff and faculty can ride the local city buses for FREE. Bus service on Green Mountain Transit (GMT) can get you downtown, to the airport, or to other Vermont towns. Simply swipe your UVM ID to board the bus. Bus schedules are available at www.ridegmt.com. To reach certain destinations, a transfer to another bus is necessary. Simply ask the driver for a transfer as you board the bus. UVM is billed every time you swipe your card, so please be conscientious and ask for a transfer.

Car

Still need a car? Try CarShare Vermont! Two vehicles are located on campus at Morrill Hall and Redstone Lofts. See www.carsharevt.org for more info. The membership fee is waived for eligible UVM affiliates. For long or short trips check out Wheeli’s ridesharing service at www. wheeli.us. Make sure you turn off your car if you’re not driving--idling for more than 5 minutes is illegal in Vermont!

Recycling The cost to send one ton of trash to the landfill is 21 times more than the cost to send one ton of trash to the recycling center. Recycling is an easy way to reduce costs and help the earth at the same time. Please use the recycle bins that are provided and separate recyclable materials from your trash. Recycle:

Trash:

Glass bottles & jars Plastic bags, cups and utensils Metal food cans Refrigerated/frozen foods boxes Soda and beverage cans Paper milk cartons Plastic bottles and jugs Juice boxes Laundry soap & shampoo bottles Candy & food wrappers Newspapers and magazines Used white paper towels and tissues Printer paper Straws Envelopes & junk mail Bottle caps Cardboard shipping boxes Any black plastics Clean cardboard pizza boxes Cardboard beverage cartons Dry cereal boxes

Before recycling, please empty and clean all containers.

Technotrash Used ink cartridges, batteries and other “e-waste” items are collected in “techno-trash” bins located in over 15 spots on campus, including residence halls, the library, the Davis Center, and some academic buildings. Did You Know... Enough energy is saved by recycling one aluminum can to run a TV for 2 hours or light a 14-watt CFL bulb for 20 hours. By purchasing products made with recycled materials you are creating a demand and “closing the loop” on the recycling process. More on what and where to recycle: www.uvm.edu/recycle

special waste and hazardous materials UVM generates hazardous chemical and biological wastes through activities such as research, teaching, fine arts, maintenance operations and health care services. Individuals also use hazardous items that require special handling. You can help minimize the use of hazards and learn how to properly dispose of them. Bring used household batteries, ink cartridges, old CDs, cell phones, cables, and other “techno trash” to collection bins near the front desk in all residence halls. Collection bins are also located in some academic buildings such as Votey and Aiken. Do not put these items in the regular trash. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) contain small amounts of mercury. Wrap and label the dead bulb and bring to a “techno-trash” bin. If a bulb breaks, DO NOT VACUUM—pick up pieces with care using sticky tape, seal it in a ziplock bag, and bring it to the front desk. In art classes, use non-toxic or biodegradable art supplies whenever possible. Avoid toxic cleaning products in your room. For most things, mild soap and water works well. Otherwise, companies like Seventh Generation (based in Burlington) make environmentally friendly products. For proper disposal of computers and larger electronic waste please email recycle@uvm.edu or call 656-5731. Did you know... Electronic waste (E-waste) represents about 2% of trash in U.S. landfills but is responsible for 70% of overall toxic waste.

COnserving energy UVM spends more than $8 million for electricity and $3 million for natural gas and heating oil each year for campus buildings. Here are ways you can help keep costs down and reduce pollution. Remember: report any problems with windows, thermostats, or lights with a “Fix It Form” found on http://reslife.uvm.edu/

Tips on Conserving Energy

Choose energy efficient products, often labeled with the “Energy Star” rating when purchasing appliances. The UVM Bookstore sells some of these products. Program your computer to enter sleep mode when you are not using it. Screen savers do not save any energy. If you have a thermostat in your room, keep it at 68 degrees and turn it down to 55 degrees when going away for a longer period of time, such as school breaks. Close the windows in winter. Not only will this reduce the heating bill, but it will also help avoid frozen and broken pipes that can lead to water damage and floods. (Students are responsible for damage caused by their negligence.) Always turn your lights off when you leave your room. During the day, try to take advantage of natural sunlight. Try using spaces with shared light such as lounges or the library. Wash your clothes with cold water in the washing machines. You can do this by selecting the “Brights” option on the machines.

Did You Know...

Many appliances (such as TVs, DVD players, stereos, microwaves, & computers) use power even when they are off. To reduce unnecessary power use, plug them into a power strip and turn the strip off when not in use.

The Water YOu Drink Clean, fresh water has become one of the scarcest natural resources on Earth. Here in Burlington, we are fortunate that Lake Champlain provides us with clean, healthy drinking water. It is important to conserve this resource to make sure that it is protected and available for future generations to use and enjoy.

Help Conserve Water

• Do not leave the faucet running while brushing your teeth or shaving. • When doing your dishes fill the sink rather than keep the water running. • Keep your showers short! Shorter showers not only save water but also save energy. Why not challenge yourself to a 5-minute shower? • Don’t use the toilet as a trash can: don’t flush tissues, paper towels, feminine products, etc. as they take longer to break down and can overload the system.

Tell us!

Report leaky faucets/toilets with a “Fix It Form” found at: http://reslife.uvm.edu/.

UVM Hearts Water

In 2013, UVM ended the sale of bottled water on campus. The UVM Hearts Water campaign began in fall of 2015 to remind the campus community of the health benefits of drinking local water and the environmental benefits of refilling resuable bottles. uvm.edu/bottledwater.

Help Keep It Clean

Rain water and melting snow pick up contaminants from the streets and carry them to Lake Champlain. Do not dump anything into storm drains or onto the street, as these flow directly to the Lake. If you’re walking a dog, please scoop the poop!

COmpOsting 0rganic material Food scraps and leftovers are collected from every dining facility on campus and are sent to Green Mountain Compost in Williston. There, they are combined with other organic wastes such as leaves and grass, and composted to create a nutrient-rich soil. The University uses this compost as a natural fertilizer for campus flowers and trees. In an average week, UVM diverts over 9 tons (18,000 pounds) of pre-and post-consumer food waste for composting. Pre-consumer waste is what is generated in the kitchen before food gets to you. UVM Dining does a great job composting behind the scenes. This is where most of the organics collected on campus come from. Post-consumer waste is what is generated at the individual level. Examples are your leftovers and the packaging your food came in. Composting is a great way to recycle food waste that would otherwise be sent to a landfill. Please participate and help us keep food waste out of the landfill. Tip: If you’re unsure about whether or not to compost something, it’s always best to throw it out instead of contaminating the compost bin.

Okay to Compost Meat, fish and dairy Fruit/vegetable peels Coffee grounds and tea bags Breads, cereals and grains Noodles and pasta Leftovers Compostable cups and plates Compostable utensils (green)

Do Not Compost

Plastic utensils Milk/soy milk cartons Ice cream cartons Plastic bags

Note: While you wouldn’t normally compost dairy & meat in your backyard compost pile, it’s okay at UVM as our waste goes to an industrial composting facility. Learn more: www.greenmountaincompost.com In the Dining Halls: Dispose of food waste in the compost containers in each dining hall. In Unlimited dining halls almost everything can be composted because there is no packaging. In retail locations take time to read the displays To prevent the overuse of resources, use your spork and EcoWare. Plus you get a 5 cent or 25 cent discount, respectively. In Your Residence Hall: Ask your front desk for a compost bag, or use your own container (like a yogurt tub). When your bag or container is full, bring it to the large compost bin in the lobby of your dorm.

eating W ith the earth in Mind Choices you make about what to eat and how food is prepared and packaged have a significant impact on the environment. Here are some tips to eating green on campus: Portions

At the dining hall, be conscious of portion sizes- you can always take a little bit and then come back for more! You can also always ask for a sample.

Eating Lower on the Food Chain

Meat production is energy, resource and pollution intensive. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes is healthier for you and easier on the planet.

Bring Your Own Mug

Bring your own mug and save each time you use it at retail dining locations on campus, regardless of its size.

EcoWare

EcoWare is a reusable takeout program offering an alternative to disposable containers. It is free for all first-time UVM students. In the 20152016 year, EcoWare usage totaled 30,724. With each use at a retail dining location, you get a $0.25 discount!

Sporks

Sporks are $1 at any retail location and with each use you get a $0.05 discount. (They are also free for any first-time student!)

Freestyle Bottles

The program allows students to get unlimited soda, juice, seltzer, and more in a reusable bottle at a fixed rate each semester. Ask a cashier for more information! In the 2015-2016 academic year, freestyle bottles were refilled 80,000 times.

Real Food Challenge

After surpassing 20% Real Food in 2017, UVM Dining has made it a commitment to increase the amount of Real Food to 25% by 2020. Real Food is defined as local, ecologically sound, fair, or humane.

Biofuel

Dining facilities produce about 150-200 gallons of used cooking oil a month. The used oil is made into biofuel that runs a local paper mill.

Community Supported Agriculture

A CSA is a way to buy local, seasonal produce directly from farmers in the community. Two great options that deliver to campus are: Intervale Food Hub Subscription (www.intervalefoodhub.com) and Catamount Farm CSA (www.uvm.edu/~hortfarm/).

COnsciOus COnsumerism To reduce our environmental impact, it is important not only to recycle, but also to reuse products as much as possible and reduce the amount of stuff that we purchase in the first place. When you do need to make a purchase, always look for the most eco-friendly choice. Support Vermont agriculture by buying locally grown and produced products. Shopping at farmers’ markets is a great way to do this! The Burlington Farmers’ Market takes place in City Hall Park (from the beginning of May to the end of October) every Saturday morning from 8:30am to 2:00pm. Between November and April, the Farmers’ Market moves to the Davis Center from 10:00am-2:00pm. Check out burlingtonfarmersmarket.org for more information!

Tips and Tricks: • •

• • • •

When shopping, reduce waste by bringing a cloth bag or used plastic bags. Some stores provide a discount for every bag you reuse. Choose durable reusable products rather than single-use disposable ones. For example, refillable pens and razors, silverware and rechargeable batteries are preferable. If you are getting food to go a retail dining location on campus, use EcoWare rather than a disposable takeout container! When possible, purchase items in bulk and choose products with minimal packaging. Support local “repair” businesses. Don’t toss out an item just because it is broken or torn. Consider repairing it instead. Consider how and where products are made before buying them. Rather than purchasing new products, check out some of the Burlington area’s second-hand and thrift stores.

Clothes: Battery Street Jeans Dirt Chic Downtown Threads Goodwill Outdoor Gear Exchange Salvation Army Second Time Around Athletic Equipment: Old Spokes Home Outdoor Gear Exchange Play It Again Sports

Household Items & Furniture: Jamba’s Junktiques ReSource Salvation Army Myers Used Furniture Books and Music: Crow Bookshop Pure Pop Records Speaking Volumes

Getting InvOlved Many of the programs listed in this guide have been created, maintained, and supported by students and clubs - which you can get involved in! The Lynx at UVM is a directory of all of the clubs on campus and their resources. You can join their LISTSERV and get emails about meetings and upcoming events. Here are a few groups on campus related to sustainability:

Alternative Energy Racing Organization (AERO):

AERO is a student group that works for the advocacy, research and development of alternative energy drive systems.

Campus Kitchens Project:

A student organization dedicated to being an anti-hunger resource for the Burlington area.

Eco-Reps Program:

Eco-Reps are student employees who encourage environmentally conscious behavior and raise awareness about ecological issues in the UVM residence halls.

Vermont Student Environmental Program (VSTEP):

VSTEP is an organization of concerned students dedicated to coordinating environmental activities on campus.

UVM Bikes!:

UVM Bikes strives to increase bike accessibility, knowledge, and infrastructure for the shared benefit of our physical and environmental health. Check out our bike-lending program and bicycle education center in the basement of the Hills building.

F urther InfOrmatiOn Resources: UVM Clean Energy Fund: www.uvm.edu/cleanenergyfund UVM Dining: https://uvmdining.com UVM Eco-Reps: www.uvm.edu/ecoreps UVM Energy: www.uvm.edu/~energy UVM Office of Sustainability: www.uvm.edu/sustain UVM Physical Plant: www.uvm.edu/~uvmppd/ UVM Recycling: www.uvm.edu/recycle UVM Transportation & Parking: www.uvm.edu/~tpswww/ Burlington Dept. of Parks and Rec.: www.enjoyburlington.com CSWD (Chittenden Solid Waste District): www.cswd.net CATMA (Chittenden Area Transportation Management Association): www.catmavt.org

GMT (Green Mountain Transit): ridegmt.com Wheeli: www.wheeli.us

Greenride Bikeshare: greenridebikeshare.com

www.uvm.edu/sustain

The University Of V ermOnt Office Of Sustainability burlingtOn, vt 05405

802-656-0895