Sustainability

Helping the community understand the parameters of recycling and composting is one of the biggest challenges in recycling and waste management, according to Kevin Brim, supervisor in Facilities Management at George Mason University. “It can be confusing trying to decide what is recycling, trash, or compostable,” said Brim. His team is working hard to change that.

April is Earth Month, and it is a great time to promote sustainable best practices on George Mason University campuses and off.

The Office Supply Swap at George Mason University launched in Spring 2023, thanks to the efforts of the Staff Senate and University Sustainability.

Right before Earth Day, Small Island Big Song presents a "jaw-dropping" (Billboard) concert experience at the Center for the Arts on April 20, combining music, spoken word, and stunning projections to showcase unique oceanic grooves and soulful island ballads, while shining a light on the devastating effects of climate crisis on our world’s oceans. As a Mason Artist-in-Residence, Small Island Big Song will also deeply engage with the community through a series of education and engagement programs.

George Mason and AWS are working together on a new renewable energy lab and launching a concentration in Sustainable Data Center Engineering.

Honor Earth Day weekend with Small Island Big Song on April 20 for a moving musical experience that combines music, spoken word, and stunning projections to showcase the sounds of various island nations of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, while shining a light on the devastating effects of climate crisis on our world’s ocean.

George Mason University Facilities has installed 23 Bigbelly zero waste stations on the Fairfax and Mason Square campuses. These solar-powered stations support Mason’s recycling and composting goals through their user-friendly design, technology upgrades, and capacity-based alerts. 

George Mason University has been recognized as a Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists for promoting safe, accessible bicycling on campus. The League of American Bicyclists is a grassroots advocacy organization encouraging better bicycling and protecting the rights of people who bike.

The Green Studio, located on George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus, is a permaculture garden, outdoor studio, and lab space dedicated to hosting ecological art and design projects by students from across the arts and sciences. Jennifer Ashworth wanted to elevate the space in preparation for more student projects in the future. She applied for funding through University Sustainability’s Patriot Green Fund and was granted financial support to revamp the garden in preparation for the new academic year.

The Center for the Arts on George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus has revamped its zero-waste infrastructure, thanks to the support of University Sustainability's Patriot Green Fund. Sleek new waste and recycling stations at the performing arts venue will improve Mason’s waste diversion rate, helping to reach Mason's goal of diverting at least 90% of waste from the trash.