In front of the Science Center, there is a lawn that isn’t watered or cut. It is the university’s first foray into xeriscaping, an environmentally friendly method of landscaping that reduces the need for upkeep. Sustainability Coordinator Janna Cohen-Rosenthal sat down with The Hoot to discuss other little-known ways the university tries to be environmentally friendly.

Electric Bike The Brandeis Police are the proud owners of an electric bicycle. They discovered it at the Green Commuter Fair, where a Brandeis alum was showing it.

Composting Beginning in the Mods and moving to quads in south campus, residents can compost food waste. The university also composts leaves and grass clippings. The heat from the compost pile creates mulch, which means not as much mulch is purchased.

Coffee Mugs A deal with Aramark enables students to fill their own mug with coffee for 99 cents, unlike other schools which give a smaller discount.

Certified Green Rooms 30 percent of students certified their rooms in a revolutionary program that has already been copied by schools like Barnard and University of Vermont. Through the program, students choose 15 out of 25 methods to make their life more environmentally friendly.

Reusable To-Go Program At meals, students can use plastic reusable to-go containers, rather than disposable cardboard, eliminating waste after meals.

Vending Machines Several vending machines on campus have been equipped with vending misers, which keep vending machines in a power-saving mode until someone walks by.