Central Sustainability

Central Sustainability is a student-run office dedicated to making the CMU community more sustainable through projects, policy, and programming. Central Sustainability focuses on education, collaboration and institutional growth to better our campus.

Since its launch in May 2020, Central Sustainability has been successful in carrying out numerous sustainability projects and initiatives.

Notable accomplishments include:

  • Passage of a university Sustainable Purchasing Policy
  • Establishment of an on-campus farmer’s market
  • Re-establishment of the campus garden
  • Establishment of the on-campus Ethnobotanical Garden
  • Establishment of a university sustainability website
  • Submission of award-winning STARS reports
  • Stakeholder engagement efforts

We Do Sustainability / Central Michigan University

Why does sustainability matter?

Sustainability is important because it leads to a longer-lasting, kinder and more efficient world for generations to come. Socially, sustainable practices can help strengthen community bonds, improve quality of life and provide hope for a better future. Environmentally, sustainable practices can help protect natural resources, mitigate and adapt to climate change and promote biodiversity. Economic benefits include conserving fuel and cutting fuel costs, reducing the health impacts of air and water pollution and reducing traffic congestion. Central Sustainability is in a unique position to improve sustainability on-campus since it is run by students who can empower other students to care about sustainability daily as well as in their future careers as leaders and professionals

Sustainability Action Plan

Central Sustainability has developed a five-year Sustainability Action Plan as part of its goal to institutionalize sustainability efforts at the university level. The plan includes measurable goals and clear strategies to incorporate and improve sustainability efforts in areas like campus operations, academics, engagement and administration efforts.

Office hours

In addition to by email and phone, Central Sustainability can be reached during its office hours. These are Mondays from 12-3 PM or 3:30-5 PM, Tuesdays from 11-12 PM or 3:30-5 PM, Wednesdays from 12-3 PM or 3:30-5 PM, and Thursdays from 11-12 PM or 3:30-5 PM. During these times, CS’s door will be open, and you are more than welcome to walk in and ask any questions you may have.

Recycling on campus

Residence hall dwellers may either take the recycling from their rooms to the kitchenette receptacles on their floor or straight to the maroon-colored recycling tank outside near the dumpster. Green Teams may also collect recycling from your residence hall.

Special recycling drives planned by Central Sustainability are open to all CMU students, faculty and staff and anyone can bring recyclables to the Isabella County Material Recovery Facility at 4208 E. River Road Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858.

CMU waste management and sustainability information

For more information on CMU’s waste practices, visit Central Sustainability’s WordPress Site or email sustainability@cmich.edu.

Central Sustainability newsletter

Sign up to receive the Central Sustainability newsletter, which includes updates on campus sustainability, news, and events.
Affiliation

Take the CMU Sustainability Pledge

Join us in making a positive impact on the planet! By taking the pledge to adopt more sustainable practices, you are committing to small changes that lead to big results. Whether it is reducing waste, conserving energy, or supporting eco-friendly initiatives, every action counts. Fill out the pledge today and be part of a greener, more sustainable future. Together, we can make a difference!