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Family and Consumer Sciences

Ohio State University Extension

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Going Green: Sustainability at Work

June 17, 2025

Earlier this month, several Ohio State University Extension educators toured the Ohio Stadium (also known as The Shoe) in Columbus. The purpose of the tour was to learn how the fourth-largest stadium in the country continuously ranks #1 when it comes to recycling. In fact, OSU diverts 90% or more of materials from the landfill by recycling, repurposing, and composting after every football game.

Zero Waste team at Ohio Stadium

On the drive home from Columbus, I started to reflect on my behavior at work and the sustainability practices in our county Extension office. Although I do a lot at home to be sustainable, I realized I was not being as environmentally conscientious at work. To be “greener”, I am trying these ideas to make my work life more sustainable.

  • Eliminate single-use plastics. Think about your break room and find ways to replace coffee pods, plastic utensils, straws, soap dispensers, Styrofoam cups, and water bottles. To reduce using these pesky plastics, visit a thrift store and purchase cups, dishes, and cutlery that can be used repeatedly. Plastic-Free July has numerous resources to help you reduce your plastic consumption. [Read full article...]