The 2025 Arbor Day Celebration hosted by Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens brought together students, faculty, staff and volunteers in a tribute to Ohio State’s ever-growing tree canopy and the dedicated crews behind it.
Among the event’s highlights was the recognition of Ohio State’s Tree Campus Higher Education Certification, a prestigious designation that reflects the university’s long-standing commitment to tree care and education.
The Ohio State University has been awarded the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2024 Recycle Ohio Grant to support the Post-Consumer Waste Bin Transition Project at Ohio Stadium, furthering the university's commitment to sustainability. The grant enabled Ohio State to upgrade 20 waste stations in the club levels, transitioning from a two-bin (recycle/compost) system to a three-bin (trash/recycle/compost) system.
In an effort to promote sustainability and reduce plastic waste, six new water bottle refill stations have been installed across The Ohio State University Columbus campus, thanks to a grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The initiative, led by former university student and current Zero Waste coordinator, Logan Gould, aims to provide accessible hydration options while encouraging the use of reusable water bottles.
The Ohio State University has been awarded the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) most prestigious recognition, the Encouraging Environmental Excellence (E3) Platinum Achievement Award for 2024.
“This honor reflects Ohio State’s commitment to resource stewardship and efficiency,” said Mary Leciejewski, associate director of environmental sustainability for Facilities Operations and Development (FOD). “It reaffirms our position as a leader in higher education and healthcare sustainability practices.”
The Arbor Day Foundation recognized The Ohio State University as a 2024 Tree Campus for its dedication to enhancing community well-being through tree education, investment and community engagement.
Campus Race to Zero Waste has officially kicked off! For the next eight weeks, Ohio State will be competing against universities across the nation to see who can achieve the highest landfill diversion rate! This is our chance to show our commitment to sustainability, and we need your help!
How You Can Make a Difference
Whether you're in the office, classroom, or lab, everyone plays a part in reducing waste on campus. Here’s how you can support Ohio State’s zero waste goal and help us lead the pack:
America Recycles Day (November 15) is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the United States. It is an opportunity to promote environmental citizenship and take action to increase and improve recycling in America.
The Ohio State University achieved a landfill diversion rate of 41% this year. While we can be proud of this milestone, more participation in recycling is needed to achieve the university’s zero waste goal.
Join Ohio State in supporting America Recycles Day by recycling more and recycling better by:
As recently highlighted by The Lantern, Facilities, Operations and Development's (FOD) pumpkin composting site is back open.
"When the pumpkins and other organic materials decompose in landfills, they end up generating methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas, and it contributes to climate change," said Molly Kathleen, zero waste consultant for FOD. "So, by composting our pumpkins, we can divert them from the landfills and prevent methane emissions, as well as reduce our carbon footprint."
Don’t let your pumpkins haunt the landfill after spooky season is over! Green your Halloween and return nutrients to the soil by composting them!
Now through Tuesday, December 3, faculty, staff, and students living off-campus can drop off pumpkins and gourds in the labeled dumpster in the Uniprint parking lot located at 2500 Kenny Road. The site is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
With more than100,000 fans and visitors flocking to Ohio Stadium for each home game, the Office of Administration and Planning (A&P) works tirelessly behind-the-scenes to support the Department of Athletics and provide a safe, fan-friendly environment. Find out what it takes to host the Best Fans in the Land at the Shoe.