Trash2Treasure at Northeastern University
For our third episode of the Fairware x Post Landfill Action Network (PLAN) video series, we visited Northeastern University to hear all about their Trash2Treasure program, aimed at helping students build a more circular economy. We met the amazing student changemakers that manage this program, and learned all about the effect it’s having on campus.
Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global, experiential, research university built on a tradition of engagement with the world. They’ve had a long-standing commitment to sustainability, which shows up in all areas, including how they teach their students, how they drive research, and how they operate their campus. With nearly 200 courses that integrate sustainability, and with a pledge to reduce their carbon footprint by 80% before 2050, Northeastern’s pursuit of a sustainable future is relentless and very exciting to see.
During our visit, we met with students Nicole, Erin, Alia, and Alex, who are passionate about the circular economy and helping others reuse items that would otherwise go to the landfill. They’re actively managing the Trash2Treasure program, which allows students to drop off their old clothes, school supplies, furniture and more, before moving out of their dorms in the spring. Then in the fall as students come back to campus, they hold a sale for all those goods where students can purchase items they need at a very cheap price for the coming year.
We so enjoyed meeting with these students and learning all about the Trash2Treasure program. What normally would have gone to the landfill is given another chance to used again by other students, creating a truly circular economy on campus, and helping Northeastern take another step towards its goal of reducing their carbon footprint. So with that, check out the video below to hear more about the program directly from the student changemakers themselves.
A big thanks again to our friends at PLAN for connecting us and moving ideas like Trash 2Treasure forward to create a lasting impact on campuses across the United States.
Keep an eye out for our next episode of this series coming soon, and get ready to be inspired by more student changemakers!
