think the environment’s important?
So do we. Here at Kripalu, as part of our inquiry into what creates fulfillment, we make a sustainable relationship with the natural world a priority. With great respect for the Earth, we are committed to doing our part to be green and support a healthy environment for future generations. In our everyday operations, we strive to reduce our environmental footprint through efforts that include
- Recycling paper, glass, plastic, and electronic waste
- Using recycled paper in-house whenever feasible
- Printing all of our marketing materials on recycled paper
- Utilizing green cleaning products and biorenewable soaps
- Purchasing wind energy credits locally and nationally to offset 100 percent of our energy use
- Choosing building materials that take environmental factors into consideration
- Cooking with local, organic ingredients whenever possible, and composting.
With ongoing commitment, we are working to raise awareness amongst our staff, volunteers, and guests, and we continue to research economically viable ways to improve our environmental stewardship; we look forward to keeping you updated on new developments.
For details on Kripalu’s efforts, explore each section below.
Read More on Recycling
In the spirit of the three Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle), we make a conscious effort to incorporate recycling into our everyday lives at work. We recycle paper products as well as glass and plastic containers, with recycling bins in offices, bathrooms, and key gathering spots. All of our marketing materials are printed on recycled paper, and our mailroom and copy center uses 30 percent recycled paper whenever possible. Many offices in the building also reuse paper that is still good on one side (“GOOS” paper).
In addition, we recycle much of our electronic waste, including unusable printers, CDs, hard drives, disks, rechargeable batteries, cables, and cords, using a service called GreenDisk. This company takes old equipment, refurbishes what it can, and recycles the rest, giving old products new life and keeping hazardous materials out of landfills.
As we move forward with our recycling efforts, we are looking into better recycling receptacles that can be more widely distributed throughout our main building.
Read More on Cleaning Products and Bathroom Supplies
As part of a campus-wide “clean-n-green” program, we have switched to green cleaning products. We are currently using floor cleaner, surface cleaner, disinfectant, and all-purpose cleaner that contain no chlorine bleach, ammonia, petroleum distillates, APEs, ozone-depleting ingredients, phosphates, carcinogens, butyl solvents, cholorinated solvents, reproductive toxins, heavy metals, or phthalates. They all contain biodegradable surfactants and come in postconsumer recycled and recyclable packaging. We also use biorenewable hand and body soap in our bathrooms.
We are currently researching ways to use bathroom paper products that contain the highest available recycled-paper content.
Read More on Energy and Fuel
We have undertaken several efforts to reduce our energy consumption and increase the percentage of renewable energy sources we draw from.
In December 2006, we purchased a Toyota Camry Hybrid, and we are committed to purchasing hybrid company vehicles from this point forward, as long as there is a hybrid model available to meet our needs.
To offset our fossil-fuel use, we purchase wind-energy credits (3,000 megawatts per year—an approximation of the amount needed to offset 100 percent of Kripalu's energy usage) from Community Energy. In addition, we have also signed an agreement to purchase local wind-energy credits in the amount of 10 megawatts, from Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, which recently installed its own on-site wind turbine.
To reduce our overall energy use, we are also replacing standard lightbulbs with compact fluorescent lightbulbs in compatible fixtures, as well as using Energy Star fixtures for all new lighting projects.
Read More on Building Materials
In upgrades to Shadowbrook, our main building, as well as in new building projects, we strive to incorporate environmentally friendly materials into our plans. In May 2007 upgrades, we installed a new PVC-free carpet that has been certified as an Environmentally Preferable Product, SCS Sustainable Choice Gold. All of the furniture that we construct in-house (e.g., tables and shelves) is made of Extira, a wood composite made from sawmilling by-products that have no added formaldehyde. Much of the furniture and décor that we purchase is from IKEA, which works to ensure that their products are environmentally sustainable.
In the planning stages of building and maintenance projects, our Facilities team now researches paint, adhesives, and other materials to ensure that the products we purchase are nontoxic and low-fume.
Read More on Local, Organic Food
We acknowledge the impact that food choices have on the environment and, accordingly, strive to make decisions in our food purchases that support the environment and local economy. In season, we buy only certified organic, locally grown vegetables (from the Berkshire Grown network of farms). Our Food Service Production Manager meets annually and individually with local farmers to ensure that their farms grow produce that will meet Kitchen needs. When produce is not in season locally, we buy primarily organic (all fruits and greens purchased are always organic; other produce is organic when not price-prohibitive). And all meat we purchase is organic or natural (no artificial ingredients or added color; minimally processed, if at all): Our eggs are cage free, free-range, and omega 3; chicken is organic; turkey is natural; and fish is either organic farmed or natural. We also purchase maple syrup locally from Worthington, Massachusetts, and are exploring the possibility of purchasing Berkshire Grown honey.
Please note that we continue to seek out local, organic farmers as suppliers.
Read More on Composting and Food Waste
Vegetable waste that is generated in the preparation of Kripalu meals is taken to Fadding Farm in Stockbridge, where it is used to feed livestock. Prepared food leftovers (including food from guests’ plates) are composted at Holiday Farm in Dalton, which uses the compost to fertilize its organic vegetable fields.
Questions, comments, or feedback?
E-mail us at guestservices@kripalu.org.
