By Mariam Dames
Faculty mentor: Dr. Eric Bonds
This research seeks to gain a better understanding of the University of Mary Washington’s progress towards sustainability in the areas of recycling and waste reduction. Specifically, this paper explores Virginia Executive Order 77 as a pathway to reaching the University’s sustainability goals. To gain a better understanding of the current composition of UMW recycling, a material-type audit was conducted. This information, along with informational interviews, is used to discuss UMW’s progress in phasing out single-use plastics on campus. A second purpose of this project seeks to make recommendations for future sustainability action, while recognizing the limitations placed on UMW as a state institution.
