Sustainability means operating in such a way as to meet our needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. OAS consistently works towards sustainability. Some of our initiatives include:

• Front loading washing machines were installed in all laundry rooms. These save one million gallons of water annually.

• The Shipping Room accepts packing peanuts for recycling.

• We use much of the used vegetable oil on campus to heat the College Camp lodge. The remainder is given to a local farmer who turns it into bio-diesel and operates his farm with it. This saves between 800-900 gallons of used oil from going into the landfill, every month.

• Styrofoam usage in the dining halls was reduced several years ago and Sodexo continues to try to reduce consumption of styrofoam products.

• The OAS offices have switched to 100% recycled paper. Our used paper is shredded and given to a local farmer free of charge for animal bedding.

• The Red Dragon Bookstore uses biodegradable shopping bags.

• Trays were eliminated in the dining halls, saving water, trays and eliminate some food waste.

• With the aid of the Biology Club, one hundred trees were planted at College Camp during "Into the Streets".

• An oven in the Bakery was retrofitted to become a natural gas appliance, saving electricity.

• We reduced the amount of marketing material given to students during orientation.

• With help from our vendors (Coca Cola and MacGray) we have placed recycling bins throughout campus.

• The Red Dragon Bookstore has the largest supply of used textbooks around.