| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 47.06 |
| Liaison | Daniela Shebitz |
| Submission Date | Dec. 11, 2023 |
Kean University
EN-5: Outreach Campaign
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Daniela
Shebitz Professor Environmental and Sustainability Sciences |
Has the institution held a sustainability-related outreach campaign during the previous three years that was directed at students and yielded measurable, positive results in advancing sustainability?:
Has the institution held a sustainability-related outreach campaign during the previous three years that was directed at employees and yielded measurable, positive results in advancing sustainability?:
Name of the campaign:
A brief description of the campaign:
To address the challenges of operating an in-vessel composter capable of processing 1000 pounds of waste per day, two faculty members and students from Kean University's Department of Environmental and Sustainability Sciences (DESS) launched an institutional-wide solid waste audit and educational campaign. The aim of this initiative was to promote the
collection of food waste, while also conducting research to optimize the composter's operation with increased feedstock, and demonstrating the potential of compost end use on campus. During the 2021-2022 academic year, the team carried out three waste audits to assess the quantity, quality, and locations of waste streams across the university. Based on the results of
these audits, educational materials were developed, and four food waste collection bins were installed in the student center and dining hall to encourage post-consumer food waste recycling and composting. In addition, the team examined the effects of compost on the growth of vegetables and surfgrass, and observed an increase in plant vitality and soil fertility.
Overall, this project encompasses research, education, demonstration, and training, with full engagement from on-campus communities. It promotes food waste recycling and composting on campus, and showcases various end-use options for compost.
Students and Faculty:
Two faculty, Dr. Dongyan Mu and professor Will Heyniger, took the lead and advised students in this project. Two graduate students (from Design Department) were hired to work in waste audits and lead the food waste promotion. Seven Kean students (4 from DESS and 3 other majors) worked for the project to complete tasks assigned.
The project was selected to present at the GCSHE 2022 conference:
Video Presentation Link: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/search?q=GCSHE
A brief description of the measured positive impact(s) of the campaign:
Despite a reduction in food offerings at the student center following the pandemic, food waste composting still increased during the 2021-2022 academic year. In total, 21,815 pounds of food waste were composted (287 lbs/day), which is a significant improvement compared to the 14,776 pounds composted in 2018-2019 (242 lbs/day) and the 16,738 pounds composted in
2017-2018 (257lbs/day).
Name of the campaign (2nd campaign):
A brief description of the campaign (2nd campaign):
Kean University students have collected about 700 pounds of plastic film waste, like bubble wrap, pallet wrap and what’s left of single-use plastic bags in New Jersey — but, they’re not done yet.
A brief description of the measured positive impact(s) of the campaign (2nd campaign):
Students understand how much plastic can be accumulated in a certain amount of time.
A brief description of other sustainability-related outreach campaigns:
Name of Campaign: Vehicle Charging Station Announcement
A vehicle charging station announcement was distributed to Kean students, faculty and staff in September of 2022.
https://www.kean.edu/sites/default/files/2022-08/Kean%20University%20Electric%20Vehicle%20Charging%20Information%20Sheet.pdf
Positive impacts of this campaign:As a result of the campaign, there were 1391 vehicle charging sessions at Kean between Sept 1, 2022 and Feb 28, 2023. (DF)
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Our Composting and Waste Campaign was highlighted on our website:
https://www.kean.edu/news/kean-researchers-seek-environmental-solutions-trash
Our Composting and Waste Campaign was highlighted on our website:
https://www.kean.edu/news/kean-researchers-seek-environmental-solutions-trash
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.