Sustainability Initiatives

Horticulture

• SU won the 2009 PLANT Green Award, the highest sustainability award given by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service and Forestry Council.
• SU's recycling program began in 1990 through the Horticulture Department.
• New benches are made from recycled material.
• Since 2003, SU has recycled more than 111 tons of computers and audio-visual equipment.
• In the greenhouse and interior spaces, Ivory soap and water are used instead of typical chemicals to remove insects.
• Students weed planting beds to reduce the use of weed killer.
• Mulching blades are used on SU lawnmowers to reduce waste and add nutrients to the soil.
• Bicycle racks are incorporated into campus design to promote an alternative to driving.
• Greenhouse staff wash and reuse pots and bedding trays instead of discarding.
• Campus trash containers are paired with recycling receptacles so users have a choice.
• Maryland requires the University recycle 20 percent of its trash; SU always far exceeds this standard.
• New battery recycling program to collect spent batteries from campus operations and student residents.