Green Living Guide
Places to Explore
Farmer's Market
- Season: May to the end of October.
- Location & Time: On Saturdays, the market is located at the corner of N. Main Street and Broadway from 8:30-noon. On Tuesdays, the market is located at 484 S. Main (next to Ross’s IGA) from 3:00 to 6:00 pm.
Granville Bike Path
A shady part of the Granville bike path
A hidden gem for runners, walkers, and bikers, the T.J Evans Recreational Trail bike path is easily accessible in Granville. Within the first four miles of the path, you will encounter tranquil farmland, shaded woodland, running water, and lots of cows. The path is over 20 miles in total, ranging from Newark to Johnstown. You can access the path from Main Street heading south (toward the freeway); the path is before the Ross Market by the Granville Mill. The path is also accessible from South Pearl Street.
Biological Reserve
Denison's Biological Reserve encompasses 350 acres and iswithin easy walking distance of campus. It is a great destination for trail running, a warm afternoon walk, or a quiet place to study in nature. In addition to recreational use, many science classes and research projects take place in the reserve. Approximately 75% of the acreage is deciduous forest interspersed with old orchards and former plantations of pine, spruce, sugar maple and yellow poplar. There are also prairie fields, four ponds, seven natural springs, and a meandering stream, all of which provide habitat for terrestrial and aquatic organisms. The Bio Reserve provides refuge for numerous amphibians, turtles, snakes, bats, rodents, flying squirrels, white-tailed deer, red fox, and over one hundred species of birds. Whether you are learning about the diversity of flora and fauna for class, or looking for an escape from campus to enjoy the outdoors, the Bio Reserve is easily accessible and a wonderful way to enjoy the natural landscape of Ohio.
Homestead
The Homestead is home to a student community committed to a sustainable lifestyle. In pursuit of more ecologically responsible living, twelve students learn and work together while residing in student-built cabins a mile outside of campus. Homesteaders grow much of their own food and supplement their diet with produce from local farms and co-ops. They rely solely on electricity produced by their small solar array. There are two organic gardens, a greenhouse, an herb garden, and an orchard at the Homestead. To maintain their food sources and cabins, homesteaders, as well as other students, participate in weekly work parties. The Homestead provides students the unique opportunity to implement the principles of a low-input, socially responsible lifestyle through community-based collaboration.
Nearby Parks & Nature Preserves
Spring Valley Nature Preserve
Spring Valley is a nearby wooded area that officially became a nature preserve in 2006. Denison students have been particularly active in maintaining Spring Valley and helping with trail restoration. The 97-acre preserve is a great destination for hiking and enjoying the wildflower patches and Salt Run stream. Spring Valley is located within five minutes of Denison, off of Cherry St/Rt 16.
Sustainable Shopping
Local and Organic Food
In addition to the local farmer’s market (see Places to Explore), there are a plethora of organic and/or sustainable farms in the surrounding area, from which food can be purchased directly. One farm Denison students have visited in the past is Flying J Farm, owned by Dick Jensen. Committed to providing quality produce and meat free of antibiotics, pesticides or steroids, students can purchase beef, eggs, maple syrup and vegetables from the farm. Mr. Jensen is committed to growing food in a sustainable way not only to respect the land, but also to cultivate food that is healthy and safe for human consumption. Students can buy food from Mr. Jensen at his farm, located at 5329 Van Fossen Road, Johnstown, OH 43031. Additionally, he is always happy to let other share in the farming experience, so don’t hesitate to contact him about volunteering opportunities!
Another local farm that Denison students enjoy is Bird’s Haven Farms, a family operation, working to provide a variety of high quality, locally grown produce through local markets and “pick-your-own” fields, based just north of Granville, Ohio. Dr. Tom and Mrs. Ann Bird and their family established bird’s Haven Farms in 1995. The farm is located on 5545 Lafayette Road, Granville, Ohio 43023.
They too welcome students on their farm and are even working with Denison’s student group, PEAS, to develop a CSA program for students and employees of the college.
Fair Trade Goods
Members of the Denison University Fair Trade Alliance
Are you in search of quality chocolate, coffee, or other gifts? The Denison University Fair Trade Alliance sells different goods at affordable prices, while also ensuring products are environmentally sustainable and produced at a fair wage. Once a week, DUFTA members sell Fair Trade coffee, tea, chocolate as well as handmade crafts such as scarves and purses in the student union. Students can also stop by the Religious Life Open House to purchase different Fair Trade goods.
Buying Second-hand
A great way to save money, buy sustainable, and still dress well is to shop at the local thrift and second hand stores. Thrift stores are packed with unique and vintage clothing at affordable prices. Within walking distance is Footloose, an eclectic vintage clothing store. Tucked away among residential homes at 121 South Prospect Street, the store is a great collection of clothing and accessories ranging from classic to absurd, and is definitely worth a visit. If searching for the perfect dorm room decoration or furniture, Goodwill stores located in Newark provide a cheap alternative. Rather than purchase a new couch that will inevitably be ruined by the end of the year, save your money and buy used furniture!
Getting Around
Granville: Walking Destinations
Downtown Granville restaurants and shops
While it may seem easier to drive, walking not only is healthier for you and for the environment, but is convenient with so many close destinations. For a good meal, look no further than Brews, Dragon Village, or Broadway pub. If you are craving something sweet, there are two chocolate shops along Broadway, and Whit’s is always a local favorite for custard. To pick up basic groceries, hygiene products, or other necessities, CVS is easily accessible. There are also two local coffee shops students frequent, Village Coffee and River Road Coffee. With so many available restaurants and shops within walking distance, save gas and enjoy some exercise by exploring Granville on foot.
Beyond Granville: Big Red Shuttle
When you need to leave campus, help to minimize your carbon footprint by using the Denison student transportation system, called The Big Red Express. This free shuttle service offers van rides to local stores and restaurants, as well as Columbus area shopping centers. The shuttles are available Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, but make sure to sign up beforehand in the Student Activities Office in Slayter Student Union. The shuttle leaves from the security office on the P1 deck on the parking garage. For a full list of times and dates, check the schedule online. In addition, Denison provides students a shuttle service to and from the Columbus Airport for holiday breaks. Shuttle signups are located in the SAO office in Slayter. Next time you leave campus, consider using the Big Red Express to save gas money and help reduce carbon emissions!
Beyond Granville: Ride Share
A great way to travel is carpooling with other Denison students. To help facilitate carpooling, there is a ride board next to the Women’s Restroom on Slayter 2nd floor. If you need a ride for weekend travel, to the airport, or home for the holidays, post a request on the board. For those who are already driving somewhere, this is a great way to enjoy some company on your drive and share the expense of gas! There is also an on-line Ride Share available in My Bulletin Board on the myDenison web portal.
Bike Share
A few of the bikes available for student use
As part of a new program started in spring 2011, students are able to rent bikes daily, for free from the Curtis Service Center. Students can choose from a selection of mountain, hybrid, and road bikes. Biking is a great way to exercise outdoors while exploring the surrounding landscape. The Denison Bike Share runs from the start of school until mid-November, and from April until the end of the semester. To sign out a bike, stop in the Curtis West Service Center; bikes are located outside the center on the bike rack.
Recycling & Composting
Recycling: The Basics
Denison has a long legacy of recycling, and works to recycle as much potential waste as possible. Not only does this reduce landfill space, but it also reduces the amount of new materials that must be produced. Each dorm room is provided a recycling bin, and big blue bins are located outside of dorms for students to empty recycling. The blue bins are spray painted with guidelines as to what recyclables should be put in each bin. On academic quad, recycling is sorted as either WET or DRY; please see the table below for what can and cannot be included in each of these recycling categories. Recycling is a simple way to act environmentally responsible, and is made easy on Denison’s campus!
Recycling Guide [pdf]
Items that Can and Cannot be Recycled
The following tables describe which items can and cannot be recycled, and how to dispose of abnormal waste materials:
| WET | DRY | |
| Recycle | Plastics 1 & 2 Glass Bimetal/Aluminum cans | Newspaper Office Paper (white, colored, post-its, index cards, envelops) Magazines Catalogs Cardboard Paperboard |
| Don't Recycle | Plastic bags, lids, caps, food wrappers, styrofoam | Napkins, paper towels, tissues, plastic utensils, plates |
| Item | Where to Recycle / Dispose |
| Aerosol can (spray paint, air fresheners) | Safety and Security office, Lobby P1 |
| Batteries (rechargable, non-rechargeable, cell phone) | Labeled boxes - Slayter information desk, Library circulation desk, Barney-Davis first floor |
| CDs, monitors, printers, keyboards, mice, cables | Information Technology Services, Fellows ground floor |
| Tonor and ink cartridges (inkjet, laser printers, copiers) | Office Services in Doane basement, also in labeled boxes in various campus buildings |
| Scrap metal and wood | Designated dumpsters at the physical plant, call x6264 before dropping off items |
| Sharps (syringes, medical supplies, etc.) | Safety and Security lobby, P1 |
Composting
Denison students composting in one of the dining halls
A student-led interest in composting resulted in post-consumer food compost in both dining halls and senior apartments. In dining halls, compost bins are located next to the dish cart for ease of student use. Not all food waste can be composted, however. Please only compost fruits, vegetables, pastas, breads, teabags, and napkins; no meat, animal products, processed foods, or liquids should be put in the bins. Compost decomposes into fertilizer with little technological input and naturally breaks down in six to twelve months. The compost revitalizes campus green spaces and fertilizes the community garden.
Student Involvement
Be Involved!
Denison students working to create a campus garden
- Denison University Fair Trade Alliance
- Green Team
- Denison University Recycling Program
- People Endorsing Agricultural Sustainability
- Outing Club
- Helping Hands, Garden of Hope
Featured Student Organizations
The Green Team sponsors an annual clothing swap located on the academic quad.
Green Team
Green Team was founded in 2006 by Environmental Studies students. It works to promote environmental awareness on campus, and meets weekly to discuss environmental consciousness and sustainable living at Denison. Activities include a Recyclable Fashion Show, Earth Day activism, educational initiatives, recycling and energy campaigns, and speakers from both the Denison faculty and national organizations.
Denison University Fair Trade Alliance
The Denison University Fair Trade Alliance seeks to promote awareness of Fair Trade on the Denison campus through educational programs and student access to fair wage, sustainably produced products. Once a week, DUFTA members sell Fair Trade coffee, tea, chocolate as well as handmade crafts such as scarves and purses in the student union. DUFTA works to promote a Fair Trade campus and community at Denison by ensuring Fair Trade options are available in the dining halls and other campus venues. In addition, DUFTA sponsors speakers to come talk at Denison, including Chie Abad, a former sweatshop worker, and Rick Peyser, a Denison alum who now sits on the board for Fair Trade Labeling Organizations International.
Featured Student Campaigns
In addition to specific clubs and groups on campus, students can become involved by participating in a student campaign or sponsored event on campus. Below are a few featured events:
Sustainability Checklist
Actionable Items of Sustainable Living
Although Denison actively facilitates and encourages sustainable living, living an environmentally conscious life is largely determined by your daily decisions. Here are a few reminders about small practices you can incorporate into your life to preserve the earth’s resources:
- Bring reusable containers/bags when you go shopping
- Turn off lights, and make it a habit to look around a room to turn off lights prior to leaving.
- Unplug appliances that are not in use (they still are using electricity)
- Recycle and compost properly
- Inform physical plant if your room is too hot; you’ll be more comfortable and save energy.
- Make an effort to eat less meat. Meat is more resource-intensive and results in greater carbon emissions.
- Use a reusable water bottle or coffee mug, rather than a disposable cup.
- Wash clothing with cold water
- Buy used versions of books from the book store