Columbia University
IN-1: Innovation 1

Columbia University Environmental Stewardship partnered with Facilities, Housing, the EcoReps, the Columbia bookstore and others to put together a campaign centered around recycling at the 2014 Commencement. 50% of the bachelors and masters gowns were from Oak Hall, made from recycled plastic bottles. One gown is made from 46 bottles. Each water station at the event was accompanied by a sign that informed guests of the “Recycle a bottle, Dress a grad!” initiative. The EcoReps wore this “lock-up” design on their shirts to spread the message even further. During the ceremony, they helped to educate guests about recycling. After the ceremony was over, the EcoReps harvested bottles left behind by guests, and counted the total number of trash, paper recycling and bottles left behind. This coming year, that number will be 100% (the gown themselves can be recycled at the Bookstore). There will also be a broader awareness campaign featuring new signage near recycling receptacles and water stations, among other initiatives In 2015, the goal is to move to 100% recycled gowns through the Bookstore. Following Commencement, the gowns can also be recycled at the Bookstore. There will also be a broader awareness campaign featuring new signage near recycling receptacles and water stations, among other initiatives.

987 pounds of glass, metal, plastic and cartons were collected, 286 pounds of paper and cardboard, totaling 1273 pounds of material that was diverted from the landfill.