Wow, it’s already September…how did that happen?!  It’s a good thing that the BCC Green Team is ready for the new semester!  As we enter a new academic year, we’d like to share some of our successes and challenges with you.

Successes:

• We have a new logo!  And be on the lookout for our very own BCC Green Team Stamp of Approval!  If you see either of these logos on table tents, posters, or announcements, you will know that it is in line with the mission and goals of the Green Team.
• Have you tried out one of the three shiny new water fountains on campus?  Located in Field and SBA, these water fountains provide filtered water and a bottle refilling port.  More coming soon to campus!
• Since 2009, we have reduced our trash by 40%!!  That’s huge!  Your efforts are making a huge difference!
• In 2015, we are composting over 2700 pounds of waste every week.  That’s 2700 pounds of compostable waste that’s staying out of our already-crowded landfills.
• Thanks to the gallant efforts of Kevin Kennedy and Katie Hickey, almost all of the containers and utensils are compostable!  And that includes the green straws!
• For an easy-to-follow and detailed list of what can be recycled and composted, please check out our very own Recycling/Composting page.
• BCC ranked 8th in the nation for RecycleMania with a recycling rate of 70.6%!!  We ranked higher than any other school in Massachusetts!  GO BCC!!!

Challenges:

• Even with our terrific recycling and composting numbers, 21% of our waste (by weight) is from paper towels and napkins.  Both are compostable and the Green Team will be looking into providing more composting opportunities.
• By volume, plastic bags represent 33% of our waste stream.
• Special events at Paterson and other locations on campus generate a lot of trash.  Do you have any ideas on how to best address this situation?
• As of 2014, the small appliances in offices (refrigerators, coffee makers, etc.) generated 4 metric tons of CO2.  Would you be willing to have a conversation with the Green Team about reducing our campus’ carbon footprint?

If you have any ideas for greening the campus or would like to get involved, we’d love to hear your ideas!  Please join us or contact Charlie Kaminski at ckaminsk@berkshirecc.edu