WMU mug keeps cups out of landfill

Efforts that Western Michigan University is taking to make it easier for its students to be green-minded are getting national attention.

The National Wildlife Federation, the nation’s largest conservation organization, likes WMU’s  student-approved fee designed to support campus sustainability efforts.

It also approves of a 15-ounce stainless steel EcoMug given to all new students in the fall. The initiative began in the 2009. The mug was introduced after a survey showed students wanted a way to reduce Styrofoam, plastic, and paper cups on campus, an estimated 500,000 disposable cups, which generate over 5 tons of waste. The mugs were distributed to reduce the amount of disposable cups, lids, and sleeves destined for landfill.

School officials say the initiative not only cut down disposable cup use on campus, but became a way to introduce to incoming students the university’s commitment to long-term, meaningful changes toward sustainable practices. The mugs carry the logo and website address for the school’s Office for Sustainability.

Further, as a result of the program, WMU Dining Services and Campus Catering have begun to phase out disposables and are exploring other strategies for eliminating Styrofoam clamshells and other similar waste.

The mug is one of 85 projects from 60 colleges and universities singled out by the environmental organization and included on the National Wildlife Federation’s Campus Ecology website as examples of what colleges and universities can do to become offer more sustainable practices.

Dr. Harold Glasser, WMU’s executive director for Campus Sustainability, says under the leadership of President John Dunn the university has become committed to fostering a culture of sustainability, which has been embraced by the staff, faculty and and especially the students.

Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Harold Glasser, Western Michigan University