The Epi Department Gets Green
Epi prides itself on being one of the "greenest" departments
in the school and is always on the lookout to make itself more environmentally
friendly. Below are some of the initiatives undertaken by the staff, faculty,
and students of the Epidemiology Department. We hope that more and more people
will participate in these green activities and continue to make HSPH more
sustainable. If you have any questions regarding these activities, please feel free to contact David Havelick (dhavelic@hsph.harvard.edu) or Becky Cantor (rcantor@hsph.harvard.edu), the Epi Department's representatives to the Green Team, and also be sure to check out HSPH's ecooportunity website.
REDUCE
REUSE
RECYCLE
REDUCE
Paper: It's no secret that schools and offices use up tons of paper (literally!) a year. In an effort to reduce some of this paper usage, the Epidemiology Department has instituted two initiatives regarding paper. First, the administrative offices and faculty members have been encouraged to use double-sided printing whenever possible. The department copier has been set up for double-sided printing and staff members have been offering lessons on how to print double-sided. Also, the department is now using exclusively recycled paper.
Water Filter: You may have noticed that the giant water
bottle that used to reside in the Epi Break Room has disappeared. Replacing the
bottle is a water filtration system at the kitchen sink. This system replaces
the need for individual bottled water, which reduces waste and cuts emissions
from transportation. In the words of
staff member David Havelick, "The project has also gotten the people in the
Department talking about the debate between bottled water and tap water. In
this way it has encouraged education, debate, and awareness." The Harvard Green
Campus Initiative recognized Epi's efforts by naming the water filter HSPH's
Green Project of the Month. Next time you're in the kitchen, be sure to sample
the delicious filtered water.
Plants: The beautification of the Epi Department has been in high swing this year, what with the renovations and new artwork around the floor. But we're not done yet: Soon, the department will be featuring numerous plants as well. These plants will not only add color and life to the department, but also actually improve our health as well by improving the air quality of the floor.
REUSE
Dishes: Especially around finals, coffee constitutes a main part of the diets of many students and faculty members. The price of this caffeine boost is the waste produced by the paper coffee cups. But with Epi's new coffee mug initiative, everyone can enjoy their Hazelnut Roast with a little less guilt. The Epi Department kitchen now houses several "Epi Cups," ceramic mugs that can be used and reused by anyone who needs them. And while we of course encourage everyone to carry their own reusable mug, should someone forget, the Epi Cups are always available. Just please remember to wash them after use!
RECYCLE
Printer Cartridges: Some office waste is inevitable: Printer cartridges are one example. However, the Epi Department has a special recycling program for such cartridges. Just bring your used cartridge to the reception desk on the 9th floor, and it will not only be recycled, but $3 for each cartridge will be sent to a local Mission Hill school. Helping the environment and helping kids: Doesn't that just make you feel good?
Recycling Bins: You may have noticed the numerous recycling bins on the 9th floor. These bins are a testament to the Epi Department's dedication to recycling. In addition to the typical paper and can recycling containers, Epi features a bin not found on other floors: The plastic plate bin. This bin is specifically for the plastic plates provided at catering events. Just scrape the excess food into the trash and recycle the plastic plate.
Also, the Epi Department will soon have a composting bin. Starting May 5, the cafeteria in HSPH switched from paper to compostable products. To accommodate all the hard-workers who eat lunch at their desk, the 9th floor will soon have its own recycling bins for compostable products. In the meantime, read about HSPH's composting program HERE and HERE.