Missouri State University

Skip search and site index

 

Sustainability

Welcome to the Missouri State University Sustainability homepage.

Sustainability is a dynamic topic, and new activities and opportunities arise at the University all the time. Check here frequently for new information on events, happenings, and opportunities related to Sustainability.

*Sustainability News*

Here's the short-list of recent events on the MSU campus. Follow this link for a more comprehensive list of Sustainability actions by various departments and organizations across the University.

  • STYROFOAM RECYCLING: As of this moment, the University no longer has an outlet for recycling styrofoam. Rest assured that we will be exploring other options, and we will announce any changes. Thank you for your patience.
  • RECYCLING: A trial program to support expanded recycling opportunities across the MSU campus is currently going on in Glass and Temple halls. Two new "Recycling Recovery Stations" have been placed on each floor of these buildings. While recycling bins have traditionally been serviced by Custodial Services, servicing of these "trial" bins is being done by Environmental Management personnel, in order to allow the collection of data in support of creating a campus-wide program. Bins were initially placed in January, and the program has run through the Spring '09 semester. As of the end of April, approximately 1,100 pounds of comingled material (plastic, aluminum) have been collected from these trial bins.
  • ORGANIC RECYCLING: In October ’08, Sodexo made the move to get food waste from the dining halls into an organic composting program. Previously, food waste went to the landfill, but it now goes to a state-permitted facility for use in making compost material, that can be re-used by gardeners and landscapers. Vegetative waste generated by University groundskeepers also gets recycled through this composting program.
  • FUNDING: Students recently voted to assess themselves a $2/semester fee that will go directly to sustainability-related projects on campus. This fee, which is being matched by President Nietzel, will be administered by a student-led committee that will review proposals and determine how to allocate the funds.

If you have an event or sustainability activity you want to highlight, contact us at Sustainability@MissouriState.edu

Public Affairs

The Public Affairs Theme for 2008-2009,  and the theme for the Public Affairs Conference for April 21-24, 2009 is Sustainability.  That means that our office is working hard all year long with the 2008-2009 Provost Fellow for Public Affairs, Dr. Alexander Wait of the Biology Department.

Sustainability Report

The Interim Report on the Future of Sustainability at Missouri State is based on the suggestions on the Sustainability Subcommittee, which was made up of members of the Environmental Management Policy Panel.

University Sustainability Statement

Missouri State University is committed to environmental sustainability and stewardship. By working to create a cleaner environment through community service efforts, the application of earth-friendly technology and practices, research projects, and responsible development planning, we will strive to work for a better tomorrow. Through education and community outreach, we will provide students with the knowledge and skills to be environmentally responsible citizens and consider the global ramifications of their actions and the actions of others around them. To that end, Missouri State University is committed to continuous improvement in:

  • Incorporation of environmentally responsible concerns in University decision making.
  • Demonstration of institutional practices that promote sustainability, including energy savings measures, increasing the use of renewable resources, and decreasing production of waste materials.
  • Providing educational programs and encouraging environmental inquiry for students and the community concerning positive environmental practices.
  • Establishment of sustainability indicators to enable monitoring, reporting and improvement measures.
  • Enhancing the health of campus ecosystems and increasing the diversity of native species whenever possible.
  • Promotion of health, productivity and safety practices on campus through education, maintenance and design of campus buildings.

Our decisions and actions will be guided by the University's Public Affairs Mission, will be reflective of the University's resources, and informed by the University's Strategic Plan. As a learning institution, we recognize that planning for sustainability will be an evolving and iterative practice.

Recycling Submittal Form

Click on the picture below to submit your recyclables.

Recycling Submittal Form