University of Alberta
OP-T2-42: Move-In Waste Reduction

The move-in waste reduction strategy has adopted a multi-pronged approach to engaging students that are new to campus and residences about ways they can get involved in sustainability. One priority topic area relates to sharing with students how they can recycle and compost on campus. To rise above the noise of other campus messages during the busy move-in and orientation season, the Office of Sustainability developed a series of videos that use humor to talk about composting and recycling. The video series is called, “The Tough Guys of Sustainability”. Here is a link to the videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnUr_Hnv5qg&list=PLCFE3796AE3FDAC07 The videos were used as a creative engagement tool to build on the seasonal theme of waste diversion during Week of Welcome and Residences’ move-in. Other engagement methods and related results are described below: - Delivered a training session to 500 Orientation Leaders to prepare them for speaking about the Sustainability Stops featured in their campus tours, and provided them with an opportunity to learn more about campus sustainability. - During the two-week period of move in and Week of Welcome, the Office of Sustainability engaged 3,745 people. We collected 2,542 ballots for draws and 2,649 waste business cards were handed out (these cards directed people to a contest regarding the videos). These engagements activities occurred in a number of ways including: - Waste Street Team delivered waste education and actively engaged people in discussion to reduce contamination at various events. - Students were engaged at an outreach booth through a commitment program called One Simple Act on Campus or our educational game called “Sustainability 101”. During the Week of Welcome, 223 commitments to One Simple Act were made. - We had a presence at Residence Move-In and other online and in-person outreach activities such as the Pedal Car and social media. - Played a supportive role in the inclusion of sustainability features into Week of Welcome, Orientation or Clubs Fair. - During our second year of use, the videos were played during orientation at a first-year residence where students were also asked to make a One Simple Act Commitment. Students were also invited to play the Recycle it Right game (a game where students sort bean bags into the appropriate recycling bin that reflects our multi-stream system). Students are also given information through Residence Services in their Roommate agreements and move-in packages about sustainability and waste diversion. Some of the information contained in this credit is also in ER Credit #3 as there is some overlap in audiences. On June 5, 2014, the University of Alberta’s Office of Sustainability received an Emerald Award for its innovative Waste In Residence programming – a submission which included move-in activities described here. This is the Province of Alberta's highest recognition for environmental excellence.