recycling bin overflowing with trash

Recycling contamination

Dec. 15, 2023

Recycling is a tricky process that takes practice and vigilance since guidelines are often changing. According to EcoCycle , Boulder’s recycling company, there are some items that regularly contaminate their recycling machines. On campus, the Grounds and Recycling Operations Center (GROC) sorts through recycling to process them and ensure their...

CU recycling truck

The impact of recycling on climate change

Dec. 15, 2023

When considering climate change mitigation and reducing your carbon footprint, you probably think of driving less and turning out the lights. But did you know that organic and inorganic waste is also a massive contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions? A zero-waste lifestyle keeps material out of landfills and reduces...

students sorting waste

CU Boulder's zero waste program crushing cardboard waste: 40,000 pounds of cardboard diverted from landfill

Dec. 12, 2023

The week before classes start is always a busy and exciting time for campus, over 7000 students move into the residence hall during this time. This year the Zero Waste program provided recycling services for over a dozen welcome events, recycled 20 tons of cardboard and film plastic, and sponsored...

John LaBar

Q&A with Environmental Center's recycling operations center lead

Dec. 12, 2023

John LaBar (he/him/his), originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, is a dedicated student at CU Boulder. He’s currently majoring in EBIO (ecology and evolutionary biology) and minoring in philosophy.

clothing rack

How fast fashion impacts sustainability

Oct. 2, 2023

Did you know that your fashion choices can positively impact the environment? When you choose clothes made with recycled fabrics, you can help save water and lower carbon emissions.

CU campus in fall

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle like a Sustainable Buff

May 4, 2023

Sam, a Sustainable Buff and CU Boulder student, talks about the three Rs - reduce, reuse and recycle.

CU recycling truck

Career Q&A with the recycling supervisor at CU

April 4, 2023

Robert Allen, the recycling supervisor at CU, sat down and chatted about his job at the Grounds and Recycling Operation Center, affectionately named “The ROC.”

Ari Moscone

Career Q&A with Environmental Center's new Zero Waste Outreach Coordinator

Jan. 31, 2023

Learn more about Ari Moscone and her background in zero waste and sustainability.

plastic bottles on a beach

Debunking recycling myths

April 26, 2022

With so much content coming our way every day, it can be difficult to differentiate between true facts and myths, especially when it comes to recycling. We're here to help clarify some of those common myths that you may have read about or heard.

Ralphie's Green Stampede students

Ralphie's Green Stampede spring semester recap

April 11, 2022

Ralphie’s Green Stampede, a partnership between the CU Environmental Center, CU Athletics and Facilities Management, has completed another successful basketball season.

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