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University of Oregon
Greeks Go Green
UO Greeks Go Green
2017-2018
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What is Greeks Go Green?
Greeks Go Green is a partnership between Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) Chapters, the UO
Student Sustainability Center, and the UO Zero Waste Program. This partnership seeks to
develop sustainability initiatives and leadership throughout FSL. Greeks Go Green utilizes
monthly Green Chair meetings to introduce new sustainability opportunities, share and learn best
practices between Chapters, and offer opportunities of collaboration and support.
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The Importance of Chapters
As Fraternity and Sorority Life make up over 16% of the undergraduate population at the UO,
this community is a critical part of modeling campus sustainability. With vibrant communities of
this size, and as campus leaders, there is an opportunity to make a major impact within the
chapters and on campus. The scale of the chapter size makes a large impact, every simple
practice adopted by many chapters, has a big impact. By building on established leadership,
Greeks Go Green encourages new sustainable practices and helps foster collaboration between
Chapters.
Preserve Natural
Resources
Conserve Energy Reduce Use of
Landfills
Reduce Pollution
Be a Responsible
Community Member
Improve
Human Health
Create Jobs Save Money
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How To Achieve Sustainability
Innovations at the House Level: Greeks Go Green works with the chapter Green Chairs to
develop sustainability initiatives and support each Chapter in their efforts. Chapters have a great
variety of avenues to pursue sustainability.
Suggestions & Best Practices:
Implement an elected Green Chair position (See more details on Pg. 5)
Install water refill stations in the house
Ensure all house members have reusable water bottles & tote bags
Make use of reusable silverware, plates & cups to prevent disposables waste
Undergo a house energy audit, seal all leaks, & practice winterization
Bring in an expert for a water seal and piping audit to ensure no water is wasted
Use non-hazardous cleaners
Participate as a house in sustainability events on campus – such as speakers, presentations,
and Earth Week events
Engage in community clean ups with the neighborhood association and on University Day
Find the sustainable practices most applicable for your chapter and innovate new practices
Hold chapter meetings as a ‘Sweater Party’ and turn down the heat
Try a “thrifting day”, for all members to buy second-hand clothes as a group
Begin a competition for all members to walk or bicycle to classes
Research efficient designs in house renovations
Consider Bulk Purchasing to reduce packaging waste
Encourage carpooling to group events rather than using individual vehicles
Host sustainability presentations and speakers to chapter meetings
Share sustainability best practices with national organizations
Learn about Zero Waste and Waste Prevention (Pg. 7)
Take The Zero Waste Pledge (Pg. 8 & 9)
Plan ahead for all chapter events to be Green Event Certified (Pg.6)
Look into Zero Waste & Waste diversion practices (Pg. 10)
Encourage giving through year-around or Move-Outs, Donation Drive
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Green Chairs
Position Description: The Green Chair is a representative from the chapter that acts as a liaison
between the chapter and UO Greeks Go Green. This position works to increase environmental
awareness and education within the chapter.
Responsibilities & Suggestions:
Act as the primary contact between the chapter and sustainability groups
Attend Green Chair meetings, or send a replacement representative
Offer frequent updates on sustainability information during chapter meetings
Advertise sustainability-related volunteer opportunities to the chapter
Invite participation from members of the chapter
Relay important information from outside groups to the chapter
Pursue sustainability initiatives for the chapter, such as energy audits, waste reduction, &
partnerships with outside organizations
Conduct waste assessments for the chapter, record data, and inform members of results
Work with philanthropy chair to ensure philanthropy events comply with Green Event
Standards (Pg. 6)
Inform the UO Greeks Go Green Coordinator of the dates of the chapter’s philanthropy
events
Fill out the “Green Event Form” (located on the Student Sustainability Center OrgSync)
Have the chapter participate in the Spring Reusables Collection – get permission from
president and (if applicable) the house mom or manager.
Encourage opportunities for education and to bring guest speakers to chapter meetings
Achieve or maintain Zero Waste Pledge for the chapter
Ensure the chapter maintains all Zero Waste practices and renews the Zero Waste Pledge
Encourage members of the chapter to “like” or “follow” UO Greeks Go Green on Facebook,
Instagram, and Twitter
Ensure the chapter receives a UO Greeks Go Green presentation (email
[email protected] to setup a presentation)
Make sure the UO Greeks Go Green Coordinator has up-to-date contact information for the
chapter Green Chair, and if applicable, the president, house mom, house manager, and
philanthropy chair
Encourage participation in the Bin-Outfitting Program if it would benefit the chapter. Work
with the UO Zero Waste Program to ensure bin inventory upon annual Pledge Renewal
during Fall Term (the chapter must pay to replace any missing or damaged bins). Ensure that
the chapter president signs the Bin-Outfitting Program contract.
Send chapter highlights, accomplishments, and sustainability-related photos to the UO
Greeks Go Green Coordinator. Accomplishments and photos may be posted on the social
media pages.
Help transition the next Green Chair for the chapter
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Green Events
Host a zero waste philanthropy event! Increase the beneficial aspects of
your philanthropy event by reducing and sorting waste properly.
Green Event Standards:
1. Fill out the “Green Event Form”
(due 2 weeks before a philanthropy event)
This form can be requested and turned in electronically
by emailing [email protected]. Turning in the
form will allow the chapter to borrow Zero Waste
Stations and further plan for the event.
2. Use Compostables, Reusables, or Recyclables Ensure that all disposables purchased and used are
compostable or recyclable (for example, compostable
cups, lids, plates, utensils, etc.)
*Outside vendors are exempt, but try to encourage
vendors to follow the Green Event Standards if possible.
3. Plan for the Waste Establish what waste is being generated and tailor the
waste recovery set-up to favor maximum waste
prevention and recovery.
4. Zero Waste Stations
Designate zero waste stations to be the only available system for waste disposal (recycling,
compost, and garbage). There should be no stand-alone garbage cans. Establish as many stations
as needed based on the number of attendees and level and location of waste generation. Enlist
members to act as monitors at each station to help event-goers sort their waste and to reduce
contamination.
5. Reuse Reuse items from previous years if possible, and save reusable items for future events.
6. Purchase in Bulk Reduce packaging waste prior to each event by purchasing items in large quantities.
7. Educate Members Make sure that individuals working the event are educated about the Zero Waste Stations and
about how to make them work. This includes where the material is taken once a bin fills up.
8. Track the Waste and Send Event Pictures Send estimates of compost, recycling, and trash volumes from the event to
[email protected]. Also include pictures portraying the Green Event Standards. The
chapter and philanthropy event may be featured on the UO Greeks Go Green social media pages.
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Zero Waste Introduction
What Is Zero Waste?
Zero Waste is the principle that there should be no
waste. This can be achieved! Through careful
purchasing, reuse, recycling, and composting, any
community can significantly cut back on its waste.
Getting to Zero Waste is a goal of turning waste into
resources and creating sustainable practices for
individuals and the community.
What happens to materials that
are recycled?
Recycled material is used as feed stock for new products,
such as paper, glass and plastic bottles, carpeting,
aluminum cans, and much more.
Compostable material becomes valuable, nutrient-rich
soil that is used to grow food and gardens.
What is in your bin?
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Steps to a Zero Waste Pledge
In three easy steps A Chapter Commitment
Chapters Pledge to practice sustainable
initiatives and engage in sustainability
education
Creation of a Green Chair position (see Pg. 5)
Implementing sustainable efficiencies
Practicing waste reduction and diversion
Hold green events (Pg. 6)
1. Recycling Obtain commingled recycling services
Obtain glass recycling services from garbage
hauler
Obtain appropriate recycling bins in house, including in the kitchen, dining room,
common areas, restrooms, and individual rooms
Label bins with what they collect
Educate members about how to effectively recycle by holding a UO Greeks Go Green
Presentation
2. Compost Obtain compost collection
services
Most FSL houses have
commercial kitchens which
qualify for compost collection
Obtain appropriate composting
bins in dining room and kitchen
Label bins with what they collect
Educate members about how to
effectively compost (included in UO Greeks Go Green Presentation)
Contact Sanipac for compost services ( http://sanipac.com/contact-us/food-compost-
program/ or call 541-736-3600)
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3. Implementing Zero Waste in FSL For more information see additional resources (on Pg 11)
For Information about Green Chairs Meeting contact the Student Sustainability Center Greeks Go Green Coordinator ([email protected])
For information about Zero Waste, Composting, or Events: contact the UO Zero Waste Program ([email protected])
Implement other means of waste prevention and diversion
Introduce reusables such as plates, forks, and mugs into the house
Participate in the Spring Reusables Collection (or participate in an alternative plan)
Discontinue the purchase and use of disposables. Come up with a plan to use reusables or compostables (No plastic cutlery, paper plates, disposable coffee cups, straws, etc.)
Purchase food in bulk when possible to reduce packaging waste
Seek out and implement new forms of waste reduction
Conduct Waste assessments for all materials in your house to help determine the best waste reduction strategies.
Chapters Pledge to strive for sustainable practices!
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Waste Diversion Checklist
Reuse/Reduce
Participate in the Spring Reusables Collection (or create an alternative plan)
Discontinue use of disposable cutlery, plates, cups, straws, etc. (Compostable alternatives
are ok, but reusables are preferred)
Analyze chapter purchases and utilize a minimal waste strategy (buying in bulk, buying
items with recyclable packaging, etc.)
Green Events
Ensure philanthropy events follow the Green Event Standards. Incorporate the practices
into other events held by the chapter. Philanthropy event dates must be given to the Zero
Waste Coordinator at the beginning of each term (preferably at the beginning of each
school year).
Turn in Green Event Form at least 2 weeks before each philanthropy event
Recycling
Obtain commingled recycling services from garbage hauler
Obtain glass recycling services from garbage hauler
Recycling bins in common areas
Recycling bins in individual rooms
Recycling bins in kitchen/dining areas
Garbage bins alongside recycling bins
Recycling bins labeled
Educational material placed near bins where and when appropriate
Compost
Obtain compost services from garbage hauler
Composting bins in kitchen
Composting bins in dining area
Composting bins labeled
Educational material placed near bins where and when appropriate
Education
Host a UO Greeks Go Green Presentation
Provide chapter with appropriate posters and labels
Provide chapter members with sustainability-related volunteer activities
Green Chair
Check quarterly for updates on waste prevention standards
Update all signs with currently accurate local information and for cleanliness
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Contacts and Resources
Contacts: UO Student Sustainability Center UO Greeks Go Green Coordinator………………..……………[email protected]
UO Zero Waste Program Program Manager…….…………………………………….…[email protected]
541-346-1545
Outreach/Education Coordinator…………………………..…[email protected]
541-346-1577
Zero Waste Events/Compost Coordinator………………...……[email protected]
541-346-5275
Love Food Not Waste (City of Eugene Compost Program) Website: https://www.eugene-or.gov/759/Commercial-Food-Waste-Collection
Garbage Haulers Sanipac………………………………………………………….541-736-3600
Lane Apex……………………………………………................541-607-2042
Royal Refuse…………………………………………………....541-688-5622
Helpful Resources: Sanipac Recycling Poster: http://files.sanipac.com/commercial-commingle-flyer.pdf
Sanipac Compost Poster: http://www.sanipac.com/commercial/compost/
-----Information from both posters applies for both Sanipac and Lane Apex-----
Waste Assessment Form, Green Event Form, Bin-Outfitting Program Form:
Email the UO Zero Waste Program at [email protected] to obtain these forms
UO Greeks Go Green Social Media
@UOGreeksGoGreen