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SUSTAINABILITY
 

Sustainability FAQ

Spend a few minutes exploring our website to find the opportunities that fit your interests and availability.  Interested in hearing a guest speaker?  Do you want to know where to find delicious locally grown and healthy food on campus?  Do you know about energy-related learning and research opportunities?  Want to be an Energy Ambassador and adopt your campus building?  Curious about steps you can take to reduce your load on the environment?  Can you name 10 different things we recycle on campus?



    The Big Picture

  • Really, what is this whole "sustainability" thing about?

    • Sustainability is about sustaining and supporting the world by limiting the amount of material placed in the waste stream. The most common practices of sustainability are recycling, energy conservation, and food composting. Check out the wikipedia article for a more in-depth idea of sustainability.


  • What is the "Waste stream."

    • The waste stream is simply all the waste that leaves a residence or business. Basically, all the trash you throw out.


  • What are some impacts of the waste stream in its current state?

    • Climate Change: Increasing industrial emissions have raised carbon dioxide levels such that the Greenhouse Effect is impacting the atmosphere and sea levels to an alarming extent.

    • Fact: Current atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are at their highest in 420,000 years. This means that eventually, due to polar ice caps melting, places such as the coast of California may not exist.

    Biodiversity: The evolution of a wide variety of species on this planet has contributed to the stability of the biosphere. The loss of any species of plant or animal due to human consumption destabilizes the planet?s regulatory systems.

    • Fact: Forest losses of more than 10 percent in the last decade threaten forest ecosystems & the approximately 1.7 billion people in 40 nations with critically low levels of forest cover who rely on forests for fuel, timber, and other goods and services.

    Population & Mass Consumption: Different societies consume resources in different ways and amounts. The societies that consist of the smallest percentage of people on this planet consume the most goods, whereas the societies that consist of largest percentage of people on this planet consume the least and are following a model of development similar to that of developed industrial societies that is ultimately unsustainable for the amount of people served by this model.

    • Fact: Today, about 77 million people are added to the planet each year the equivalent of 10 New York Cities, with the majority of population existing and growing in developing countries.
    • Fact: The Worldwatch Institute estimates that providing adequate food, clean water, and basic education for the world's poorest could all be achieved for less than people spend annually on makeup, ice cream, and pet food.

    Water: Different levels of contamination and allocation mean that many people in the world do not have access to enough clean water.

    • Fact: Due to water contamination, a third of the world lives in countries that find it difficult or impossible to meet all their water needs.


  • I have facts about the world now. Give me some info on the U.S.

    • Every Sunday, the United States wastes nearly 90% of the recyclable newspapers. This wastes about 500,000 trees.
    • Americans throw away enough office paper each year to build a 12-foot-high wall of paper from New York to Los Angeles.
    • The United States discards enough aluminum to completely rebuild the American commercial airline fleet every three months.
    • The energy saved from one recycled aluminum can will operate a television set for three hours or light one 100 watt bulb for 20 hours.
    • If everyone in the U.S. recycled just 1/10 of their newsprint, we would save the estimated equivalent of about 25 million trees a year.

  • How does Case fit into this picture?

    • Case actually produces a lot of waste! To give you an idea:

    • In 2003, 1114.73 tons of garbage were hauled from Case, costing the university $46,147.00.
    • If every student at Case uses 100 sheets a week for the whole year, we kill about 1327 trees.
    • Every office worker produces 1.36 lbs of scrap paper daily, which equals 326 lbs per year.

  • Oh, Mylanta! That is a lot of waste. Case better be doing something about this! ::Shakes fist::

    • Don't you worry! Case is on this like white on rice. Case has formed multiple fronts on this issue. The campus has an Energy Advisory Committee and a strong recycling initiative. The following is THE CASE IMPACT OF WASTE PRACTICES:

    By recycling, Case Western Reserve University shows it is a university that bridges the gap between knowledge and action. In terms of knowledge, it is evident that our society produces a lot of waste. Each person in this country is directly and indirectly responsible for 125 pounds of waste material a day. This amount of waste production has devastating environmental implications. To address this problem, the State of Ohio has mandated that each county move toward recycling 25% of its waste stream. Case Western Reserve University is moving towards this goal, with the Consumption and Waste Reform Initiative improving the infrastructure to recycle a larger percentage of materials.

    The goal of Case's waste reform program is to recycle up to 30% of the university's waste stream. This success will make the university an environmental leader in the Northeastern Ohio community and a partner with other recycling colleges such as Brown, Dartmouth, Duke, University of Michigan, Oberlin, Vanderbilt and Yale. Case is at a very exciting point in its history. There is a new research partnership with University Hospitals, growing ties to the northeast Ohio community, the environmental renovation of older buildings, and the construction of some truly innovative, environmentally certified dormitories. Recycling is integral to this innovative pace-setting and will uphold Case Western Reserve University?s place at the forefront of nationally-recognized campuses, places recognized as sources of truly useful and experiential learning.


  • What exactly are the results of Case's effort?

    • In 2003:

    • 122,800 lbs of cardboard were recycled from Case, paying the university $1,682.98.
    • 151,290 lbs of office paper were recycled from Case, paying the university $4,410.20.
      When we recycle 1 ton of paper, we save:

    • 17 trees
    • 7,000 gallons of water
    • 4,200 kilowatt hours of energy
    • 410 gallons of fuel
    • 60 gallons of air pollution
    • more than 3 ydsł of landfill space



    What Can I Do: Energy Conservation

  • Energy conservation is important to me. Is there anything I can do while I am at the office to conserve energy?

    • Always use Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) in desk lamps as opposed to incandescent lights.
    • Switch off all unnecessary lights. Turn off fluorescent lights when leaving an area for more than five minutes.
    • Turn off incandescent lights when leaving areas for any period of time.
    • Use natural lighting when possible.
    • Use task lighting and turn off general lighting (especially when working late), where it is feasible to maintain sufficient lighting levels for safety and productivity.
    • Turn off display and decorative lighting.
    • Unplug equipment that drains energy even when not in use (i.e. cell phone chargers, fans, coffeemakers, desktop printers, radios, etc.).
    • Turn off office equipment, especially printers, copiers, and monitors at the end of the work day.
    • Use efficient ENERGY STAR products and ensure that power-down features are activated.
    • Close or tilt window blinds to block direct sunlight to reduce cooling needs during warm months.
    • Photocopy only what you need. Save large copy jobs for non-peak office hours such as early in the morning or late in the day.
    • Always use the second side of paper, either by printing on both sides or using the blank side as scrap paper.
    • Use durable coffee mugs instead of disposable cups.
    • Carpool, bike, or use mass transit when commuting to work.
    • To save gas: drive the speed limit, accelerate and decelerate slower, and be sure tires are properly inflated.

  • What about at when I get off work. I don't have much free time at home, what should I do?

    • Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120EF). You'll not only save energy, you'll avoid scalding your hands.
    • Check if your water heater has an insulating blanket. An insulating blanket will pay for itself in one year or less!
    • If you have one of those silent guzzlers, a heated waterbed, make your bed. The covers will insulate it, and save up to one-third of the energy it uses.
    • Use energy-saving settings on refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, and clothes dryers.
    • Wash clothing using cold water instead of warm or hot washes By switching to cold water, the typical family currently washing in warm and rinsing in cold could save up to 620 khW a year - which translates to a savings of up to $52 dollars a year. For those who both wash and rinse in warm, the savings can be more than double this if they make the switch to cold, and for those few who currently use hot water for their wash, these savings are even more significant.
    • Survey your incandescent lights for opportunities to replace them with compact fluorescents. These new lamps can save three-quarters of the electricity used by incandescents. The best targets are 60-100 W bulbs used several hours a day.
    • Check the age and condition of your major appliances, especially the refrigerator. You may want to replace it with a more energy-efficient model.
    • Clean or replace furnace, air-conditioner, and heat-pump filters.

  • Ok, so this stuff is pretty cool. What can I do this week to conserve energy?"

    • Visit the hardware store. Buy a water-heater blanket, low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and compact fluorescents, as needed.
    • Rope caulk leaky windows.
    • Assess your heating and cooling systems. Determine if replacements are justified, or whether you should retrofit them to increase efficiency and provide the same comfort (or better) for less energy.

  • Wow, I'm really getting into this stuff. It has been a month and I am looking for more stuff to do.

    • Collect your utility bills. Separate electricity and fuel bills. Target the biggest bill for energy conservation remedies.
    • Crawl into your attic or crawlspace and inspect for insulation. Is there any? How much?
    • Insulate hot water pipes and ducts wherever they run through unheated areas.
    • Seal up the largest air leaks in your house--the ones that whistle on windy days, or feel drafty. The worst culprits are usually not windows and doors, but utility cut-throughs for pipes ("plumping penetrations"), gaps around chimneys and recessed lights in insulated ceilings, and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets. Better yet, hire an energy auditor with a blower door to point out where the worst cracks are.
    • Install a clock thermostat to set your thermostat back automatically at night and when away during the day.
    • Schedule an energy audit (ask your utility company or state energy office) for more expert advice on your home as a whole.

  • I must admit, I have become a slacker over the past year. What can I do to get back into the energy conservation coolness?

    • Make a difference right now! Adopt your “home” building at Case and become an Energy Ambassador. You’ll be joining an energetic campus-wide team of students, staff, and faculty members who are taking a leadership role in Case’s greening by being goodwill ambassadors for smart energy and recycling habits. Click here for more information!
    • If your walls aren't insulated, have an insulation contractor blow cellulose into the walls. Bring your attic insulation level up to snuff.
    • Replace aging, inefficient appliances. Even if the appliance has a few useful years left, replacing it with a top-efficiency model is generally a good investment.
    • Upgrade leaky windows. It may be time to replace them with energy-efficient models or to boost their efficiency with weather-stripping and storm windows.
    • Reduce your air conditioning costs by planting shade trees and shrubs around your house, especially on the west side.
    • Know that you are making a difference!

  • I use my computer a lot. How can I most effectively save power on my computer?
    • There are a number of options to conserve energy with computers. To save the most energy, don't use them. But in this society that really isnt a choice. The average desktop computer uses about 850 Kilowatt Hours when left on all day. This equates to about $85. If you only keep your computer on for 8 hours a day, say, while you are at work, and put it on standby for the rest of the time, you would use only 388 Kilowatt Hours which amounts to less than $39. This cuts energy use down by about 55%. Supposing you were to stop using standby and actually shut down the computer, you would be using about 203 Kilowatt Hours, or about $20 a year. That is a net savings of over 75%!
    • Laptops are even better on power, using only about 70 Kilowatt Hours of power. That is less than 8% of an average desktop.
    • Many computer technicians do not use the standby feature and simply shutdown for better performance. So it is possible to save energy and gain performance.


    What Can I Do: Long Term Sustainability

  • What are some examples of "Long term sustainability?"

    • Reduce dependence on fossil fuels which would curb the Co2 emissions that are ultimately responsible for global warming and climate change. Protect biodiversity within all ecological life forms. Consider agricultural productivity with the focus on water conservation, drought potentials, farming practices (erosion), genetically modified crops, soil sciences. Develop community partnerships aimed at reducing poverty and improving the health and welfare of individuals.


  • What do you mean by recycling?

    • There is a whole section on this down here.


  • What do you mean by reusing?

    • Find ways to reuse items instead of throwing them away. Not only does this make economic sense, the environment will thank you as well!

    • Plastic containers and reusable lunch bags produce less waste than their paper counterparts.
    • Before throwing away things you don't use anymore, try donating it: to friends, local donation centers, etc.
    • Use silverware and dishes instead of disposable plastic utensils and plates.
    • Reuse other people's stuff by purchasing recycled merchandise at garage sales or thrift stores.
  • What do you mean by reducing?

    • Reducing the amount of waste you produce is the best way to ease your environmental impact.
    This includes Buying Responsibly.

    • Buy products that do not have a lot of packaging. Look for information labels describing how the product was produced: did it require a lot of energy and resources?
    • Save energy by turning off lights you are not using.
    • Save water by turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth.
    • Save 50% of your paper budget today! Simply use both sides of the piece of paper. Keep a stack of half-used paper for jotting notes on.

  • When you say "Buying Responsibly," you mean not spending too much money right?

    • That, in fact, has very little to do with "Buying Responsibly." Buying responsibly refers to keeping sustainability in mind on the consumer end of the market as well. If no one buys sustainable goods, what is the point of practicing sustainable habits. This part of sustainability is so big, it needed a page to itself. You can check it out here!



    What Can I Do: Recycling

  • So what exactly can I recycle?

    • You can recycle a number of every day items. Office paper, newspaper, magazines, phone books, plastic bottles soda cans, glass bottles, cardboard, batteries, computers, monitors, cell phones, paint, florescent bulbs, ink cartridges, clothing, and tires can all be recycled.


  • That is a lot of different stuff! Can you recycle all of it in the same place?

    • Unfortunately, no. Most of recyclable goods fall into one of the following categories:


  • What makes this white paper so pure?

    • Pure white paper isn't exactly pure. It consists of white office paper with ink or toner on it. This includes printouts, jammed paper, and paper shreddings. This is the only thing to be recycled in bins labeled "Pure White Paper." The university makes small amounts of money from recycled pure white paper.


  • What is Mixed Fiber then?

    • Mixed Fiber refers to all paper products that are not soiled, Pure White Paper, or Cardboard. Case does not make money of this recyclable material, so please make sure all Pure White Paper and cardboard makes it to the right place.


  • PGA? Are we having a professional golf tournie now?

    • PGA stands for Plastic, Glass, and Aluminum. This refers to drink containers that are mostly found in vending machines. Bottled water, Gatorade, Snapple, and Soda-pop cans. Remember to take the caps off before you recycle them!


  • Plastic? Are there not like a eleventy billion different types of plastic? Not everything can be recycled.

    • Well, not quite eleventy billion different types, but there are a lot. Fortunately, they all fall into one of seven categories. In 1988, the Resin Identification Code was established to help identify the various types of plastics.


    #1 plastic symbol
    • #1 PETE or PET (polyethylene terephthalate) Commonly used for beverage bottles and frozen food trays. Recycling opportunities for PET beverage containers are widespread.

    • #2 HDPE (high-density polyethylene) Used to produce food containers such as milk and juice jugs, liquid detergent bottles, trash bags and cereal box liners.

    • #3 VINYL (vinyl) Used in clear food packaging, shampoo bottles and medical tubing. Also used extensively in building and construction.

    • #4 LDPE (low-density polyethylene) Used in food packaging such as bread, frozen food bags and shrink wrap. Also used for dry cleaning bags, trash bags, wires and cable.

    • #5 PP (polypropylene) Used to make ketchup and medicine bottles, some dairy containers and molded automobile parts. Recycling opportunities are limited.

    • #6 PS (polystyrene) PS foam is used as packing material and to make disposable food and drink containers. Solid polystyrene is used to make hard plastic items, such as glasses, containers and disposable cutlery.

    • #7 (other) Other plastics and difficult-to-recycle composites of multiple types of plastic and other material.

  • Well then, which of the seven do Case currently recycle?

    • Case only recycles 1, 2, 3, and 5. Try to buy products that are made from these types of plastics.

  • What makes "cardboard" cardboard?

    • Cardboard is pretty much just thick paper. The most common type of cardboard is called "Corrugated Cardboard," which is the stuff with the wavy insides. Other types of cardboard include chipboard (cereal boxes, centers of paper towel rolls, etc.), color filing folders, brown mailing envelopes, and brown copier paper wrappers.

  • What about "everything else"? Kinda vague, don't you think?

    • Some things that fall under the "everything else" category and can be recycled: Batteries, Computers, Monitors, Cell phones, Paint, Florescent bulbs, Tires, Telephones, Other Electronics, Ink cartridges, Clothing, and Soft or Hardcover Books.

    If you need any of those things recycled, all you have to do is put in a Work Order Request.

  • I always see places to recycle paper, plastic, glass, and aluminum. Where should I recycle everything else?

    • That is easy! If you have cardboard, just break it down so it is flat and set it next to the nearest recycle bin. Anything else is just a Work Order Request away!

  • What can I do with anything nonrecyclable at Case?

    • One option is donation. Check it out here!

 
 
 
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