Carthage's 80-acre campus is an arboretum and wildlife sanctuary, lush with stately oaks.The Pike River winds its way through campus.Carthage was once a city park, and College officials are dedicated to its sustainability.Students will find recycling receptacles in every building, on nearly every floor.The recently remodeled Hedberg Library incorporates recycling receptacles into its design.The cafeteria is trayless, reducing food waste.The Environmental Science Program here at Carthage is service-oriented.Faculty and students monitor invasive species, restore prairies, and further environmental education throughout the region.New construction projects make use of recycled materials, and increase energy efficiency.

Sustainability at Carthage

Red, White — and Green

Red and white may be Carthage's colors, but administrators, faculty and students are acting to add green to that palette, by taking into account the effect the College has on the environment. "Going green" involves numerous steps, many of them small, both by the College and individual students and faculty members.

"This is an issue where everyone has responsibilities," says William Hoare, associate vice president for business. "We're not going to get anywhere as an institution, or as a society, until we all take responsibility."

For many years, Carthage has sought to pursue responsible practices in construction, landscaping, energy use and recycling to contribute to a cleaner, sustainable environment. Those efforts include using recycled products whenever feasible, using environment-friendly cleaning supplies, and reducing construction waste by 70 percent. 

Carthage joined 15 members of the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in a compliance program to deal with state and federal environmental regulations. Starting last fall, a group of administrators, faculty and students began meeting informally to discuss additional sustainability opportunities.

"We want future Carthaginians to enjoy the atmosphere that past generations have," Mr. Hoare says.

Learn more about the College's green efforts in

Building Maintenance and Materials
Construction and Renovation
Dining Services
Landscaping
Recycling and Waste Management
Research and Education