Campus Sustainability Day Showcases UAlbany's Commitment to "Going Green"
University hosts inaugural electronics recycling day and "Change a Light" campaign

Contact(s):  Catherine Herman (518) 956-8150, ([email protected])

ALBANY, N.Y. (October 21, 2008) -- The University at Albany is raising awareness and encouraging environmental conservation by celebrating National Campus Sustainability Day on Oct. 22. UAlbany will launch its "Change a Light" campaign by distributing compact fluorescent light bulbs in residence halls, as well as host its inaugural electronic recycling collection.

Interim President George M. Philip will kick-off the "Change a Light" campaign by distributing compact fluorescent lightbulbs beginning at 1:30 p.m. in State Quad. Old incandescent bulbs will also be collected as material for an art exhibit at the University Museum this spring.

The University's electronic recycling collection, which runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the State Quad student lot, is open to the entire community. eLot Recycling of Troy will collect various items, including cell phones, microwaves, computers, VCRs and telephones.

"Electronics can contain harmful pollutants, so just throwing them in the trash and discarding them in landfills will pollute the environment. This event promotes alternative ways of thinking across the campus and community," said Mary Ellen Mallia, director of Environmental Sustainability. 

Launched in October 2006, the University's "Go Green" initiative encourages faculty, staff and students to "think and act green" by embracing UAlbany's responsibility to conserve, recycle and beautify the campus and environment.

Other University-wide initiatives include:

� Local food purchases -- Chartwells, UAlbany's food service provider, purchased 2,500 pounds of pasture-raised (grass-fed) beef to serve in the campus dining halls. In a typical year, Chartwells purchases as much as $60,000 per semester in local produce. Most popular with students are New York apples, with about a ton consumed each week in the University dining rooms. Additionally, UAlbany hosts a Farmers' Market, giving students the opportunity to purchase locally grown fruits, vegetables and other foods.
� Trayless dining halls -- Beginning this fall, Dutch, Alumni and Colonial Quad dining halls are now tray-free, in order to reduce food waste, use less water and energy.
� American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment -- Pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and become climate-neutral.
� Recyclemania -- Recycling 13.4 pounds per person, 30 percent more than last year's mark, and garnering more than 230,000 pounds of recyclables to rank third in New York state for overall amount of recyclables last spring.
� Energy campaign -- In two campaigns (fall 2007 and 2008), residence halls reduced energy costs by $25,000.
� UAlbany Students for Sustainability -- Created in 2008, this student-based group is devoted to promoting environmentally-friendly practices and events around campus.