Our Sustainability Efforts

The University of Hartford Supports Green Efforts Every Day!

Green Chemicals
~We utilize the Apex ware washing system, which reduces the amount of water and energy normally used in other systems. 
~Commons, GSU and Backstage Café exclusively use non-caustic chemicals that are packaged with 95% less material which reduces transportation costs.

Fry Oil
~We have our fry oil picked up by the Grease Guys who then filter the oil and sell it to CT companies. These companies either reuse the filtered oil in their boilers that burn #6 fuel or convert it into bio-diesel fuel. This recycled oil can also be used in boilers on campus.

Paper Products
~Our retail outlet uses biodegradable and compostable plates and take-out containers.
~All residential and retail units use napkins made with 100% post-consumer content.
~The Gray Conference Center uses corn-based disposable coffee cups.

Trayless Dining
We have removed trays to reduce your own and the campus’ overall carbon footprint
Benefits of tray removal:
~Reduces food waste – By removing trays we reduce food waste by 25%-30% per person.
~Conserves water – Each tray needs 1/3 to ½ gallon of heated water to clean. By not using a tray you alone are conserving almost 500 gallons of water per year.
~Saves energy and reduces our dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels.

Local Vendor Support
~New England Coffee roasts its beans in Malden, MA
~Edo Sushi produces and distributes from Watertown, CT
~Big Sky, independently-owned snack food distributor from Glastonbury, CT
~Seasonal/locally grown and organic produce purchased from Fowler Produce in Hartford, CT and Sid Wainer Produce in New Bedford, MA
~DNR Provisions is an independently owned distributor of Boar’s Head brand products
~The Grease Guys operate out of Hamden, CT
~Garelick Farms is NE’s largest dairy, supporting over 1,000 local farms

Pura Vida
~Established in 1998 in Seattle, WA. Pura Vida offers fair trade, organically shade-grown coffee. Their tea and cocoa products are organic. Fair Trade certification guarantees that the farmers involved with the program will receive a fair living wage. The purchase of Pura Vida coffee helps provide hot meals, clothing and medicine to thousands of needy children in Central America.
~All Pura Vida marketing materials are printed with soy-based ink.