Oakland, CA - Mills College’s outstanding leadership and achievement in environmentally sustainable practices have earned the College a 2007 Business Recognition Award from StopWaste.Org*. Mills was honored for its commitment to “a high and continuous level of work to reduce and prevent waste, not only by recycling, but also through innovative solutions to prevent waste." 

During the past year, Mills has increased the total amount of tonnage it recycles from under two tons per month to more than seven tons each month.

More than 18 tons of recycling was collected in one month when Mills students moved off campus following Commencement last May. Heidi Obermeit, Mills recycling manager, puts this figure in perspective: “recycling just one ton of paper saves 17 trees, two barrels of oil, 7,000 gallons of water, 3.2 cubic yards of landfill space, and 4,100 kilowatt hours of electricity—enough to power the average American home for six months.”

According to Karen Maggio, associate vice president for campus planning and facilities, “Sustainable thinking is a campus-wide initiative at Mills. Our achievements include building green to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, recycling, composting, and reducing our carbon footprint through reduced energy consumption.” She added that installing solar panels, recapturing rainwater, and composting food containers “are now integral to our culture.”

The following initiatives are highlights of Mills’ efforts successfully minimizing the College’s environmental impact:
 
• Using reusable china plates and bio-based service-ware in campus dining facilities
• Eliminating non-recyclable, single-serving plastic condiment packages in favor of permanent, reusable dispensers
• Leaving grass on lawns after it is mowed to reduce the need for water, fertilizer, plastic bags, and disposal, including fuel for transportation
• Hiring a recycling coordinator to conduct outreach and education, procure grants, and enhance the recycling infrastructure
• Establishing a comprehensive recycling program including mixed paper, beverage containers, cardboard, yard debris, food scraps, bio-based food service-ware, food-soiled paper products, and electronic equipment
• Donating reusable items from student living areas after they move off campus
• Moving toward zero-waste campus events

*StopWaste.Org is the Alameda County Waste Management Authority and the Alameda County Source Reduction and Recycling Board operating as one public agency. StopWaste.Org recognizes companies working diligently to pursue sustainable business practices that serve as models for businesses in and beyond the region. The Waste Management Authority manages a long-range program for the development of solid waste facilities, and offers programs in source reduction and recycling, market development, technical assistance, and public education. The Alameda County Source Reduction and Recycling Board is responsible for programs that promote source reduction, residential and commercial recycling, recycled product procurement, and market development.
 
Mills College is a nationally renowned, independent liberal arts college offering innovative degree programs to approximately 900 undergraduate women and 500 graduate women and men. Ranked one of the top colleges in the West by U.S. News & World Report and one of the Best 366 Colleges by the Princeton Review, Mills provides a dynamic liberal arts education fostering women's leadership, social responsibility, and creativity. Nestled in the foothills of Oakland, California, on 135 lush acres, Mills was recently selected by the New York Times as one of three outstanding California colleges for students to consider.

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Deborah Dallinger
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