You can find the full post at http://www.aashe.org/blog/guest-blogger-effective-campus-sustainability-messaging, but here is a summary of his key points:

Start with the basics and be positive.
Even if you have only taken small steps toward sustainability, celebrate and promote them.

Make your stories relevant your audience.
When speaking to audiences, don’t hesitate to use real-world examples, especially from your personal experience. People grasp concepts better when they are associated with true life stories.

Avoid “greenwashing.”
“Greenwashing” is the practice of exaggerating the eco-friendly benefits of a product or service. People who are committed to sustainability can spot eco spin marketing in an instant.

Don’t ignore social media
While some of us think email is still “really cool,” the fact is that the current student population has adopted new modes of receiving and accepting messages. Be sure these newer communication vehicles are a part of your marketing plan.

One of the tools AASHE provides is The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System™ (STARS). STARS is a self-reporting structure to help schools measure their progress toward sustainability. STARS includes incentives for continual improvement and innovation. It also emphasizes collaboration over competition by encouraging schools to share best practices.

There are three primary categories of STARS credits: Education and Research, Operations, and Planning, and Administration & Engagement. Credits can be earned in the fourth category of Innovation as well.

Foodservice management falls under Category 2 – Operations. Credits can be earned for sustainable activities in food purchasing and waste reduction. Syracuse University, for example, won the AASHE 2009 Campus Sustainability Leadership Award. Use of Eco-Takeouts™ was cited as one of many factors in Syracuse’s selection.

Are you ready to be a STAR? Find out more about the AASHE STARS program at and about implementing reusable containers at www.ecotakeouts.com.