BU Sustainability

Boston University is committed to achieving a Zero Waste campus by 2030 through reducing waste, reusing resources, and composting or recycling as much as possible! There are many actions we can take on the Medical Campus to act as Zero Waste leaders and creating an event with Zero Waste in mind has many facets. BU Sustainability has some tips on how you can make your event more sustainable.  The list below is a starting point for your sustainable event:

1. BYO: In your event email/marketing materials, ask guests to bring their own utensils, water bottle/cup, and plate/container. Consider adding an incentive, such as entering their name into a drawing for a small prize if they BYO.

2. E-agendas: In lieu of handouts for attendees, send agendas in advance via email or present information on screen during your event/meeting. This works both in person and virtually. Encourage attendees to take a photo if they would like.

3. Reuse: Consider items that can be reused for multiple events, such as name badge holders and decorations.

4. Recycling: In moments where paper agendas or worksheets or food containers are necessary, make sure to recycle as much of these materials as possible. Check the RecycleSmart website whenever you’re in doubt about whether something is recyclable.

5. Conscious catering: Try ordering from local restaurants that engage in sustainable practices. Basil Tree is a certified sustainable business leader that has a return program for trays and serving utensils to be sanitized and reused, and Baker’s Best Catering is one of the first fully compostable food service establishments in the state.

6. Go Green: Consider ordering a higher percentage of vegetarian/vegan options. Plant-based diets have a smaller carbon footprint than meat and can be just as delicious! Some local restaurants with great vegetarian/vegan options include Anoush’ella and Life Alive.

Check out the BU Sustainability website for more information on how to host a sustainable event. Keeping sustainability in mind when hosting events will help reduce the amount of waste produced at BUMC. Your contribution towards sustainability will encourage people to adopt sustainable practices while helping BU reach its goal of Zero Waste by 2030.


 

Please feel free to reach out to SCOMSA or Morgan Corniquel, BUMC Sustainability Intern, with any questions: