#  Sustainability at Commencement 

 



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Sustainability is an important part of how the Harvard University Graduate School of Education designs our campus experiences, especially our Commencement. From reducing single-use materials and expanding access to recycling and composting, to thoughtful food purchasing and menus, HGSE puts our sustainability values into action. HGSE also makes it easy for attendees to be an essential part of our campus sustainability efforts by providing clear guidance, convenient infrastructure, and event logistics that support a more sustainable Commencement.



 

 Our Commencement Events Our Dining Services 

## Our Commencement Events

HGSE’s celebrations are joyful, welcoming, and sustainable, while making it simple to reduce waste and protect the environment.

***\*\*New in 2026***

 

 

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###    \*\*Implement a waste sorting station  expand\_more  

HGSE is piloting professional sorting at the Block Party to separate recycling, compost, and trash. We will monitor contamination, gather data, and use what we learn to make future events even more sustainable.

 

 



###    \*\*Replace plastic with aluminum  expand\_more  

For the Commencement event, HGSE has upgraded to reusable aluminum water bottles. Unlike plastic, aluminum is infinitely recyclable. This action eliminates the purchase of 1,000 single-use plastic bottles.

 

 



###    Provide clearly marked waste sorting receptacles  expand\_more  

You’ll find stations with compost, recycling, and trash bins placed together. Signage with photos helps you quickly and confidently identify what goes where.

 

 



###    Supply only compostable paper goods  expand\_more  

HGSE’s paper goods are compostable, including hot beverage cups and lids, cold drink/water cups, lids and straws, plates, utensils, napkins, stirrers, condiment cups, and to-go boxes. Also, all food scraps and our teabags are compostable.

 

 



###    Offer simple single-stream recycling  expand\_more  

Harvard’s campus locations employ single-stream recycling, so all recyclables such as metal cans, plastic water bottles, glass bottles, cardboard, and paper go in the same recycling bin. These items are later sorted by material at an offsite municipal recycling facility.

 

 



###    Consider trash as a last resort  expand\_more  

Trash bins are available for anything that is not listed as compostable or recyclable. When in doubt, throw it out in the trash bin, to prevent contaminating waste streams.

 

 



###    Utilize reusable serving items  expand\_more  

HGSE has increased our inventory of reusable serving items such as serving tools and platters so we can decrease our use of disposables.

 

 



###    Reduce unnecessary disposables  expand\_more  

HGSE intentionally reduces the use of extra containers and paper goods such as straws, lids, and condiment cups, which are only offered when needed.

 

 



###    Provide bulk condiment dispensers  expand\_more  

To cut down on single-use packaging, HGSE provides dispensers instead of individual packets of condiments wherever possible.

 

 



###    Support food rescue and community wellbeing  expand\_more  

HGSE donates leftover food from our events to a local nonprofit food rescue organization when permissible. This reduces food waste and supports community members facing food insecurity.

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

## Our Dining Services

 

 

HGSE serves food that is good for you and the planet.

***\*\*New in 2026***

 

 



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###    Offer plant-forward choices  expand\_more  

HGSE is expanding our vegetarian and vegan options so there’s something delicious for everyone. You’ll find more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based proteins—without compromising flavor. (**\*\***Delicious vegan chocolate chip cookies at the Block Party)

 

 



###    Prioritize seasonal and local  expand\_more  

HGSE sources seasonal produce from local suppliers, which supports our regional food system and reduces the environmental impact of shipping. (Examples include apples, blueberries, cranberries, potatoes, onions and other root vegetables, tomatoes, and kale.)

 

 



###    Track climate impact  expand\_more  

Harvard participates in the [Coolfood Pledge](https://practicegreenhealth.org/coolfoodpledge), a program that measures the climate impact of ingredients we purchase and serve and sets a 25% reduction goal in food-related greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. HGSE’s dining services practices are an important part of achieving this goal.