Orientation/Move-In 2012 – Welcome to Tufts!

by C.J.

Welcome returning students and class of 2016! As we enter the 2012-2013 academic year, we at TuftsRecycles! would like to keep you up to date on our work towards greater sustainability on campus. Here’s what we’ll be doing (and what you can do) during your first few weeks at Tufts.

1. Compost yourself crazy. For all incoming freshmen, orientation guarantees one thing: boatloads of delicious food! This year, TuftsRecycles! and the Tufts Eco-Reps are collaborating to implement composting at matriculation lunch,  evening dinners, and the Orientation Food Fair, all boasting the best in edibles courtesy of our friends at Tufts Dining. Help us keep these events sustainable by composting your food, napkins, and paper plates at designated compost barrels. Watch out for contaminants like plastic wrap, chip bags, and ice-cream wrappers — these go in the trash — and recyclable bottles, cans, and silverware which can be dropped into recycling bins all around campus. Help us keep these events zero-waste!

2. Recycle your boxes at Move-In. Please flatten all large cardboard boxes and leave them in a common area — custodial staff will pick them up. Smaller cardboard boxes, paper packing material, and paper bags can be deposited in the paper recycling bins in your residence hall.  Use our helpful guide, click here!

3. Earn money for recycling. Heard of the bottle bill? It’s a Massachusetts law which returns 5¢ for carbonated beverage containers (soda, beer, sparkling water, etc). Recycle your bottles and cans at the GreenBean Machine in the Campus Center — it’s basically free money! Come to the Official GreenBean Launch on Sunday, September 2, 2012 from 4-6 for more information, recycling swag, and how-tos from the people behind TuftsRecycles!.

4. Freecycle it up. Need stuff for your dorm room? Come to the Freecycle giveaway on Saturday, September 1, 2012 from 12-2 on Tisch Library Roof. We will be giving away dorm essentials like shower caddies, storage units, desk organizers, cookware, and fun knickknacks. Be sure to come early — supplies are limited and last until they are exhausted!

5. RAs – Represent your dorm! We have loads of materials for you to share with your resident recyclemaniacs. Check our bulletin boards page for posters and banners regarding recycling and sustainability on campus.