Sustainability
Who We Are
To live and work sustainably means to perpetuate the health and welfare of people, economies, and the environment. Sustainability is about ensuring that all people - today and into the future - can live in healthy communities and participate in productive local economies without sacrificing environmental integrity. It’s a simple yet powerful concept that ties together human happiness and well-being with the quality and health of environmental systems. Thus, sustainability issues incorporate such wide-ranging topics as biodiversity loss, climate change, social justice, and more.
West Chester University seeks to be a leader in local, regional, and global sustainability efforts. This website documents the university’s efforts in sustainability and provides numerous resources for individuals, organizations, and communities.
Join us as we carry out the single most critical task of the 21st century!
Electronics Recycling
at WCU
Recycle your personal electronics at Sykes Student Union and Francis Harvey Green Library! Our partner PAR-Recycle Works is a nonprofit electronics recycler that provides transitional employment to people returning from prison. Please reference our flyer with information on acceptable items before dropping them off. Learn more about recycling on our initiatives page.
News and Upcoming Events
2024 Sustainability Events Save the Dates
3/18 - SPIRITUALITY AND SUSTAINABILITY COLLOQUIUM 4-6pm, SYKES THEATER
3/26 - JOBS IN SUSTAINABILITY INFO SESSION 3-5PM, SYKES BALLROOMS
4/10 - ZERO WASTE SUMMIT 11AM-2PM, SYKES BALLROOMS
Sustainability Research and Practice Seminar
The Office of Sustainability, along with our partners the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs and the Sustainability Council's Scholarly and Creative Activities Committee are proud to announce the Spring 2024 Sustainability Research and Practice Seminar lineup!
Please join us every Wednesday at noon between January 31 and May 1, 2024. Join us in person in Sykes Student Union 255 A/B or via Zoom. Many of these presentations will be recorded and archived on our Digital Commons website as have dozens of previous presentations over the past four years. Interested in speaking in a future seminar series -- whether you're a staff member, student, or faculty member -- please reach out to us at sustainability@wcupa.edu so we can add you to the program.
On April 10th, the SRPS will take place in Sykes Ballrooms in conjunction with the Zero Waste Summit. On April 17th, the SRPS will take place in SECC Room 107.
*There will be no Sustainability Research and Practice Seminar on March 13th due to Spring Break.*
West Chester University Honored as a 2023 Green Ribbon School
The U.S. Department of Education recently named West Chester University a Green Ribbon
School for 2023!! This honor was awarded for the university's efforts to reduce environmental
impacts, improve health and wellness, and increase sustainability education and you
all played a part in making that a reality. You Golden Rams sure look good in green!
Read the full story in the WCU Newsroom.
Fifth Spirituality and Sustainability Colloquium
WCU's Fifth Spirituality and Sustainability Colloquium will feature Dr. Donovan Schaefer of the University of Pennsylvania. His talk will consider the relationship between religion, bodies, and animals.
Join us for this free event on Monday, March 18th from 4:30-6pm in Sykes Theater. Arrive at 4pm for refreshments.
Contact Dr. Jea Sophia Oh with any questions.