Paul Smith’s College Partners with Clarkson University in Regional Food Waste Audit Project

By Ariah Mitchell, Casella Climate Resilience Fellow

Paul Smith’s College Center for Sustainability has been awarded a $7,500 grant as part of a regional food waste audit research project with Clarkson University, backed by NYS Pollution Prevention Institute. The goal of this project is to develop a qualitative and quantitative understanding of food waste in facilities of higher education within our region. Under the direction of Sustainability Coordinator and Instructor Katharine Glenn, we will be hiring a team of student interns to complete a comprehensive audit of food waste on campus. With assistance from Clarkson University and Compost for Good, our Food Waste Audit Interns will collect and track data regarding our current composting efforts and our goals for the future, and engage our campus community with awareness of food waste management practices. 

As an institution, Paul Smith’s already composts 100% of its food waste with Blue Line Compost in Saranac Lake. Our success in managing pre and post-consumer food waste within our dining facilities and culinary department, as well as our dedication to working with local businesses, can provide an excellent model for institutions across the state who have the goal of becoming more mindful about food waste and supporting sustainable community resources. Not only will the data collected though this study help us to develop a more complete understanding of campus food waste management and help provide an example for other higher education facilities, but it will provide an excellent opportunity for paid student participation and learning in the ever important and growing field of sustainable food waste management. Interested in joining the team as a Food Waste Audit Intern? Please apply by sending a copy of your resume and cover letter to sustainability@paulsmiths.edu and stop by Student Center 101. We’d love to chat with you and answer any questions. 

Follow link for copy of Food Waste Audit Internship Position