Western Washington University is deeply committed to a sustainable future, and for many years has been a national leader on environmental issues.

In 2006, Western’s Office of Sustainability was founded to coordinate many ongoing efforts, such as the purchase of green energy, waste reduction, and sustainability-minded courses. More recently, in March of 2007, former Western President Karen Morse became a Leadership Circle signatory to the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment.

A Sustainable ResNet Symposium

Limiting the footprint of a conference is no small task. However, we’ve been able to implement a wide variety of sustainable practices thanks to collaboration with our colleagues in the Office of Sustainability, Dining Services, Conference Services, and Copy Services.

Some of these efforts include:

• Using as much locally-grown and organic food as possible for meals
• Composting food waste according to Western’s current campus-wide program
• Using reusable dishware and silverware rather than paper and plastic
• Using compostable disposable silverware and dishware when reusable options aren’t available
• Limiting paper publications via a full-featured website and email list
• Reducing the number of disposable giveaway items
• Providing symposium t-shirts made from recycled or organic cotton
• Patronizing local companies for a variety of products and services
• Promoting carpooling, mass transit, and walking, by supplying a user guide
• Offering convenient on-campus lodgings at affordable prices

ResNet attendees will be able to enjoy all of their favorite technologies with the comforting knowledge that Western has been purchasing all of its electricity from renewable sources since September 2005.