Sustainability | Westfield State University

Sustainability Mission Statement

Westfield State University is committed to continuously strengthening its campus culture of sustainability. We strive to empower students, faculty, and staff to be socially, environmentally, and economically responsible citizens and global leaders in order to benefit humans and the natural world now and in the future.

Focus Areas:

Responsible solid waste management and recycling systems
Responsible food sourcing and composting
Increase adoption of water conservation practices
Promote green transportation and procurement initiatives
Continue to build a healthy and resilient campus
Decarbonize and increase use of renewable energy resources
Provide inclusive and equitable sustainability engagement opportunities and benefits
Strengthen sustainability-focused programming and research

Sustainability in Action

At Westfield State University, sustainability is not just a goal—it's a way of life. From harnessing solar energy to promoting waste reduction and fostering a green campus environment, WSU is committed to creating a more sustainable future. Our initiatives include solar panels on Wilson and Bates Halls, comprehensive single-stream recycling across campus, and innovative composting programs at our dining facilities. WSU is also proud to be recognized as both a Bee Campus by the Xerces Society and a Tree-Friendly Campus by the Arbor Day Foundation. We invite you to explore how these efforts, along with many more, contribute to a sustainable campus and community.

For more information on these initiatives, please visit the linked resources below.

Solar at WSU: Solar Panel Outputs (Wilson and Bates Halls)
WSU is recognized as a Bee Campus by the Xerces Society
WSU is recognized as Tree Friendly Campus by the Arbor Day Foundation

WSU encourages single stream recycling in all dorms and campus buildings.

WSU eateries (Tim and Jeanne’s Dining Commons and others) have single stream recycling (including coffee cups and lids), composting (food waste, tea bags and packaging, utensils, some cups and trash bags), and a to-go program that uses re-usable containers.

How You Can Make a Difference

Recycle!
Unplug electronics after use.
Reduce single-use plastic waste – bring your own washable water bottle, utensils, and cloth bags for take out and shopping.
Find other ways to get around – use bikes, bike sharing, carpooling.
Buy clothing and other items at thrift stores.
Make changes to the way you wash your clothes – wash in cold water, use reusable dryer sheets/balls, wear clothes more than once before washing, hang dry your laundry.
Try eating less meat – skip meat a few times a week.
Join the sharing economy – visit social media boards like Facebook Marketplace to pick up gently-used furniture and household items and visit ReUse stores in your area.
Turn off the lights.

Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/11/21/how-college-students-can-help-save-the-environment-and-not-go-broke.html