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Sustainable Summer Programs at
Unity College
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Unity leads in pursuing sustainability. The term sustainability refers to practices that can be continued indefinitely without adversely impacting future generations' quality of life. From recycling to building practices and now to summer programs, Unity College achieves a measure of visibility by providing environmental leadership in a complex world.
| In our continuing quest to increase environmental awareness, Unity College implemented a number of initiatives intended to make summer programs more sustainable. We have examined many aspects of events, from the food to the amenities offered, in order to reduce the overall environmental impact. |
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Recent New Initiatives
- Online registration reduces paper
- Provide pitchers or carafes of drinks instead of individual paper cups whenever possible
- Encourage programs/events to offer online materials to reduce paper
- On campus summer produce harvested and prepared for meals
- Less paper registrations/sign-ins using one large sheet instead of individual papers
Recurring Initiatives
- Local and organic foods comprise a large percentage total food prepared
- Efficient fluorescent lighting
- Dining Services washes plates, flatware and glassware for less trash
- Green cleaning using eco-friendly products, solutions and cleaning services
- Restroom paper products contain recycled materials
- One linen change per week to save water and cleaning solutions
- 100% of Unity’s electrical power from Maine-based renewable resources
- Highly insulated residence halls eliminate most needs for air conditioners
- Recycling receptacles within each building
- LEED equivalent resident halls
- Wireless internet connection for less paper
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We invite you to join us in pursuing sustainability. Help serve the environmental cause while at Unity by volunteering to:
- Turn off all lights and appliances when not in use
- Bring your own name tags
- Bring your own reusable cups or mugs
- Make travel arrangements with co-workers or acquaintances to reduce carbon emissions
Unity is an advocate of “real-time, frugal” sustainability. Our task is to demonstrate that sustainability is more than just virtuous. It’s affordable and everyone in America can get it done.
~Mitch Thomashow, President
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