Sustainable Check-in/Out

Campus living check-in and check-out can generate a great amount of waste, and RAD is working to make these processes more sustainable.

Check-In

Online Applications
All housing applications were completed online for the first time for Fall 2008 check-in to reduce paper. We are continuing to reduce paper use during this process and all materials and communication will be on-line in Fall 2009.

What to Bring
The key to less waste is less stuff! Students moving in are encouraged to purchase items that can be shared (i.e. microwaves, toasters, cleaning supplies) after meeting their roomates and determining what they can get together. Our 'What to Bring to Evergreen' letter has several suggestions for purchasing eco-friendly products.

Recycling Tutorials
In Fall 2009, Residential and Dining Services student staff will be available to help new students checking in to recycle packing materials.

Recycling Bags
Instead of trash cans, campus residents received recycling bags for their rooms upon Fall 2008 check-in. These bags, made of recycled tarps, feature sustainability tips, info on how to recycle on lower campus, and have an extra slot for keeping clean paper separate from other, potentially messier, recycled goods. The bags are essentially waterproof, and have a loop at the bottom so they can be hung upside down to dry after being washed out.

Sustainability Options Information during Check-In
In Fall 2008, Sustainability Interns and RAD Staff provided information about green cleaning, bottled water alternatives, and had compost buckets available. In Fall 2009 we will have information about these and more! Check the Orientation Week schedule for sessions focused on campus sustainability, alternative transportation options, and tours of campus gardens and the Organic Farm.

Check-Out

PODS Project
In 2006, RAD organized our first sustainable check-out system to collect and donate usable items, which had previously been discarded, to ten non-profit organizations who target needy individuals and families. Large storage containers (called PODS) are placed around residence halls to collect the goods. In its first year, 7,680 cubic feet of useable donations, 18 one-hundred gallon bags of useable clothing, and 30 larger items (i.e. couches, tables, mattresses) were collected during the campaign, which spanned May 30-June 30.