Myth 1: The lakes and irrigation are campus wastewater.
The automatic irrigation system at many campus locations uses collected stormwater from the lakes, not potable water. Lakes are strategically placed at the lowest points on campus to maximize the collection of stormwater. This water is non-potable (not for human consumption) and is repurposed for irrigation. Also, these lakes play an important role in preventing water runoff from carrying harmful chemicals and pollutants into local waterways.

Myth 2: Everything in the recycling bin and compost ends up in the landfill.
Recycling only ends up in the landfill if it鈥檚 contaminated with non-recyclable materials, which is why it is important to understand what can be recycled and what should be thrown in the trash. The only plastics that belong in the recycling are bottles, tubs, jugs and jars. Campus dining halls, Winter Garden, Fountain Market and Daniel Commons compost pre-consumer kitchen waste (kitchen prep) and post-consumer food waste (whatever is left on the plate). Since January 2021, diverted 231.5 tons of organic material from the landfill and created 23 tons of compost!

Myth 3: The solar flower is just for looks.
The SmartFlower outside of the Innovation Hall is not just a decorative structure. It鈥檚 an inventive solar energy system designed to mimic the movement of sunflowers. By following the sun throughout the day, it increases solar energy production by 40% compared to regular fixed solar panels. This system supplies clean energy to Founders Hall and Innovation Hall. It isn鈥檛 strong enough to power the whole building, but it does create 4,000 to 6,000 kilowatt hours of solar energy per year.

To qualify for funding, departments must have at least one member who has attended a minimum of two Sustainability Employee Resource Group meetings within an academic year. Grant applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by the Office of Sustainability. Funds are awarded with a maximum of $1,500 per department in a single fiscal year.

Jeana Schickedantz, program assistant for the English Department, highlighted the positive impact of a recent grant-funded project; the installation of a water bottle refill station in the English Department.

“The water fountain is wonderful and everyone loves it! It really seems to make people very happy to have this in our hall,鈥� said Schickedantz. According to Schickedantz, in less than a week, the department saved 121 plastic bottles.

The Sustainability Mini-Grant Program offers a practical way for campus departments to make a positive environmental impact.

Departments are encouraged to submit their applications early to secure funding for their sustainability projects. For more information and to access the application form, visit the