Campus Initiatives

Ashland University's Commitment to Going Green

Current Initiatives

• Utilization of “green” chemicals. (Currently we use “Green” Glass and Hard Surface Cleaner along with a Green Neutral Cleaner)
• Minimizing aerosol can usage.
• Converted to a foam hand soap that is refillable eliminating packaging waste.
• Converting to Microfiber cleaning cloths to eliminate some of the chemical usage.
• We are in the process of placing our deliveries on a monthly schedule that reduces our gasoline consumption and our paper usage.
• We utilize the Athletic & Rec. Center old bath towels to make cleaning cloths and tacking towels.
• Using green mop heads.
• Proper disposal of solvents.
• HVAC controls.
• Educational efforts to raise awareness on campus regarding the use and proper disposition of CFL’s.
• Rec. Center and Kates PE irrigation water source.
• Drift-less application of herbicides and pesticides.
• Lighting change outs.
• Greenhouse rain water collection.
• Recycled crushed brick for baseball warning track.
• House demolition salvage.
• Paperless payroll.
• Kitchen Grease reclamation.
• Piggy-Licious program: Kitchen vegetable waste (pre-consumer) is now collected for local hog farmers (since 8/24 shipped 3,500 pounds of kitchen waste to hogs instead of the landfill)
• Unbleached paper napkins in dining areas.
• Cloth napkins are also available in dining areas.
• Delivery bike for pizza deliveries. (first of its kind on campus)
• Added plates (made of china) to reduce use of disposable plates
• Graphics now uses a laminator/mounter which has eliminated an aerosol adhesive
• Electric delivery vehicle utilized by the bookstore and printing services.
• In process of adding a canvas reusable bag for bookstore customers (reducing single-use plastic bags)
• Use of recycled content paper in printing.
• New plate setter in printing department is chemical free. Eliminated corrosive fixer and petroleum based film.
• New printing equipment is saving about 600 sheets of wasted paper per 4-color job and now only uses 4 ounces of blanket wash versus 1 quart with old equipment.
• Using an alcohol substitute for the fountain solution (plate cleaner)
• Scratch pads/tablets are made from waste paper Scratch pads/tablets are made from waste paper.

Our future opportunities for increased environmental responsibility include:

• Exploring the feasibility of recycling cell phones and more rechargeable batteries.
• Bringing more awareness of recycling opportunities to the campus community.
• Initiating a newspaper drive on campus.
• Exploring the usage of a “Green” carpet shampoo while continuing to minimize the usage of aerosol products.
• Partnering with Residence Life to change the move out procedure by making bins accessible in each hall that will allow students to donate unwanted items instead of throwing them away.
• Food composting.
• Bio-diesel production.
• Use of alternative energy sources.