Sustainathon: Finding Sustainable Solutions at Macalester

Sustainathon was a success! On Saturday November 16th, the Sustainability Student Network held their first Sustainathon. Students formed teams teams to answer the sustainability question,“How do we reach our Zero Waste by 2020 goal and maintain it?” Teams had 2 hours to develop a project proposal and solution to increase recycling and composting and encourage students to reduce and reuse in either offices and residence halls, two places where waste that could be composted or recycled ends up in the trash all too often. All three teams focused on waste sorting in residence halls, and the two winning teams came up with similar solutions: make receptacles for compost and recycling more available in dorm rooms. By providing students with compostable bags or paper bags in trash closets and lounges, students would be more able to sort in their own rooms. The groups found that it is critical that we continue to develop partnerships between departments and organization across campus and in doing so, students will have a better understanding of how to correctly dispose of waste are provided with necessary measures to take action. The teams then presented their proposals to three Macalester alum judges.

In the Spring and Fall of 2020 we hope to implement this project: Increasing Sustainable Practices in Dorms Through Residential Waste Renovation. Look out for new developments in the residential halls regarding waste sorting in the future! Thank you to all of the teams who participated. We hope to make Sustainathon an annual event and continue its success in the coming years!

Written by Sustainability Office student workers Lianna Goldstein and Zella Lobo