No matter how big, events can generate a lot of waste, which can both be costly and have negative

impacts on the environment. A Zero-Waste Event is any event that works toward minimizing waste generation and maximizing reusing, recycling, and composting to achieve the greatest possible waste diversion.

In 2012 CMU created

4180 tons of trash

3090 tons ended up in landfills

But it DOESNT have to

Choose better products Paying attention to what you buy for your event is very important. Instead of buying disposable Styrofoam or plastic plates and containers, consider paper plates and napkins, compostable utensils and cups, compostable bags, and a drink dispenser instead of bottled water. For student events in resident halls, Bring your own reusable mug, containers, silverware and napkins is a great way to make your event fun and zero waste!

When you buy products for your events, being Zero-Waste can be as easy as making a choice at the convenience store. Here are also some online and on-campus sources that can help your event be more sustainable: Paper Products Co., Inc. www.paperproduct-pgh.com Stalk Market products including compostable forks and spoons are delivered to CMU on Monday & Thursday each week upon order. Paula Szczerba, Sales Representative Eco-Products http://www.ecoproductsstore.com/index.php Green Stripe Cups from Eco-Products for cold or hot cups and paper plates CMU Catered Events catering@andrew.cmu.edu Request that you want to hold a green event and compostable products to be used

Compost A Successful Zero Waste event diverts most of its waste by composting. Composting is nature's process of recycling decomposed organic materials into a rich soil known as compost. Anything that was once living will decompose. When planning for your event all of the left-over food, and paper and compostable utensils could be composted! Things that can be compostable include: all food scraps, paper, cardboard, compostable plastic, napkins, coffee filters, tea bags,

CMU already has many offers some great composting opportunities, especially with post-consumer food material, Schatz dining room, the Gates Caf and departmental kitchen composting. Here is what you can do at your event: Contact Sustainable Earth or Eco-Reps student groups for a compost stand and bag to have at your event. These materials are kept at the UC Info Desk or at Margaret Morrisons Special Interest Sustainability House Arrange for Event Composting Pick-Ups, (By ISS the custodial contractor), by placing a Work Order with Facilities Management Services at www.cmu.edu/fms or by emailing FMS FIX it fixit@andrew.cmu.edu or by calling the FMS Service Response Center at: 412-268-2910.

What is recyclable? Plastics 1-7 Aluminum Glass Paper Cans Plastic Bags Plastic Containers Batteries

CMU has many recycling services. One which is most readily available to students is the Green Room located in the University Center, where you can recycle things like: Printer cartridges Batteries and cellphones Transparencies Cardboard All paper

Recycle At the end of your event make sure that you recycle everything that could be recyclable!

Contact Us! There are many people and environmental leader that would love to help you organize a Zero-Waste event or answer any questions regarding other initiatives on campus

Sustainable Earth: Rachel Wong

rachelwo@andrew.cmu.edu

www.cmu.edu/environment

MM Sustainability House: Rene Cuenca rcuenca@adnrew.cmu.edu