As part of Northern Michigan University’s quest for greater sustainability, many individual departments have taken on environmentally friendly initiatives. These include starting a “green” program in the residence halls to “green” test booklets provided by the student government.  Check out the links to the left to learn more about these programs.  If you hear of an NMU department or office doing something not currently listed, send a note to gogreen@nmu.edu.

Dining Services Efforts

The Dining Services department practices several sustainable processes. 

  • The use of a bio-degradable eating utensils (i.e. Spudware, Greenware and Chinet)
  • Trayless Alternative - This option is available to all patrons at all dining locations on campus.  The Marketplace is currently being renovated which will be more accommodating for this option.
  • Future renovation are planned for the Marketplace to reconfigure the dishwashing area, which will reduce water usage.
  • A pulper was installed  in 2007. This pulper grinds and mixes organic matter such as  food scraps, cardboard, aluminum foil and paper with water to reduce the volume of waste.

Grounds Efforts

The NMU Grounds department practices environmentally friendly methods.

  • Recycling of all used oils and antifreeze from campus vehicles and equipment.
  • Composting of all landscaping waste product
  • Installed test plots to evaluate low maintenance landscaping methods.
  • Prohibits the use of restricted-use pesticides on campus.
  • Attempts to use primarily native species plantings. 
  • Developed Landscape Master Plan to guide future campus landscaping and reduce operational costs