Four Ways Knox Chose Sustainability in 2016

This has been a big year for sustainability at Knox College.

In 2016, Knox grew 1,300 pounds of produce at the student-run Knox Farm; salvaged more than 7.5 tons of reusable clothing, books, household goods, and more on move-out day; and for the second year, was able to attribute 100% of its electricity use to renewable energy, earning Knox a place in the Leadership Club of EPA's Green Power Partnership. 

Knox's sustainability efforts led to the College's selection as a "Green College" in The Princeton Review Guide to 361 Green Colleges and a "Cool School" by the Sierra Club.

Here are four more ways Knox said yes to sustainability in 2016:

1. Student volunteers hosted an (almost) waste-free Commencement. Knox students helped hundreds of guests at the Commencement picnic sort waste into the correct bins: recycling, compost, and, if necessary, landfill. Only 2.5 pounds of landfill waste was generated from the picnic lunch.

2. In April, Knox celebrated Earth Day all month long. The month included speakers, workshops, a 5k run/walk fundraiser and culminated in a festival that brought together the Knox and Galesburg communities.

3. Renovation wins LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) gold certification. Alumni Hall, renovated in 2015, became the first building to receive a gold certification from the United States Green Building Council. With a design that encourages highly efficient use of its resources, including LED light bulbs and a ventilation system, the historic building sets an example for the campus and the community.

4. Knox's Food Recovery Network raised awareness of food waste on campus. The group sponsored Weigh the Waste campaigns to educate the Knox community about food waste on campus and collected between 100 and 200 pounds of prepared, leftover food each day. Students delivered this food to local organizations like the rescue mission, crisis center, and subsidized-housing apartments. 

To learn more about Knox's culture of sustainability, follow the Knox Sustainability blog.