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Student Resources

Macalester College is continuously striving toward zero waste. Here are ways you can help be part of this goal!

Prior Student Led Initiatives

  • Implementing campus-wide composting
  • Switching to compostable dishware and utensils for single-use needs
  • Offering specialty recycling for items such as styrofoam, e-waste, padded mailing envelopes, plastic bags, and rechargeable batteries
  • Creating the Mac Free Swap
  • Starting the SustainaCup program, providing free menstrual cups to all students who request one
  • Supporting food recovery from our dining services
  • Offering Sustainable Scot Training to all incoming students during Orientation to introduce them to zero waste and other sustainability and environmental justice efforts on campus

For the past several years, our diversion rate has stayed relatively steady. To get ourselves to the next level, we are re-evaluating the College’s goals and incorporating social justice into the Sustainability Office initiatives. Some of our recent initiatives include:

  • Hosting events on campus such as Sustainabili-tea, raising awareness and engagement within the Macalester community
  • Collaborating with the Post Landfill Action Network to create a new zero waste strategic plan that moves beyond diversion rates toward broader systems change needed for true sustainability and environmental justice
  • Sponsoring a Macalester student for the Zero Waste Atlas Fellowship
  • Partnering with mutual aid organizations in the Twin Cities to find new homes for items donated during Move-Out
  • Partnering with Facilities Services and Bon Appétit to implement a reusable take-out container program in Café Mac

Zero Waste Programs & Resources

  • Compost

    Labeled compost bins are readily available around the Macalester campus. Learn more about campus composting guidelines and commitments.

    Helpful Compost Guidelines
  • Mac Free Swap and 1550 Summit

    The Free Swap and 1550 are open to all members of the Macalester community. The project is based on the circular economy model and keeps the benefits of free items within the Mac community. This is a great place to go before buying new items for your dorm!
  • Zero Waste Atlas Fellowship

    Macalester is currently going through their final stage of this program!

    First, they conducted interviews with campus stakeholders to get a thorough picture, beyond just diversion metrics, of how far the campus has come to reaching zero waste. Then, they hosted conversations to understand what resources (staffing, time, money, etc) it would take to get the campus to establish a more circular economy and move toward true zero waste. Finally, they will write a visioning statement to present to college senior staff, together figuring out what would be possible moving forward with an official zero waste plan.

    https://www.postlandfill.org/atlas
  • Make Art, Not Waste

    An annual student-led event that seeks to encourage students to take action against environmental injustice through the medium of art. Culminating in an exhibition during Earth Week, the initiative brings together sustainably minded student artists, highlighting the impacts of the climate crisis by repurposing materials that would otherwise head to landfills. The theme changes each year and during the spring 2024 it was a fashion show!
  • Green Dorm Program

    Join the Sustainability Office in piloting our new green dorm program and get green dorm certified! It takes less than 10 minutes! Here’s how to get started:
    1)Take this survey and make some sustainability goals!
    2) Work on your sustainability goals and attend sustainability events throughout the semester.
    3) Get a certificate and show everyone how cool it is to help with sustainability at Mac!
    If you have any questions, please email [email protected].