Here at the Rensellaerville Meeting Center, we've taken the initiative to become even more eco-friendly.

We believe that our natural resources should be preserved for generations to come and we have taken many steps to make our environment cleaner. We also have numerous eco-friendly projects in the works that we'll be able to share once they're up and running. An example is a new compost site.

Here's a list of eco-friendly steps we have currently in place:

Conference Services

• We participate in the GreenFiber Community Paper Recycling Program to reduce waste and conserve natural resources. All of the paper at our Center is sent to GreenFiber to make natural insulation.
• Gift bags are 50% recycled material.
• Tissue paper is 50% recycled material.
• Water pitchers and glasses on our tables have replaced bottled water representing the reduction of over 1000 plastic bottles in use each year!
• We use 100% recycled copy paper.

Housekeeping Services

• Our cleaning products are Green Seal Certified for the environmental standard for industrial and institutional cleaners.
• We recycle nearly 100% of all plastic and glass bottles and containers, cans, cardboard and paper.
• Throughout our guest rooms and restrooms we use soft- recycled, organic materials such as the eco-friendly Kleenex Naturals tissues made from "100% virgin fiber and 20% recycled packaging."

Restaurant Services

• Hot cups, paper napkins, "to go" containers, paper plates, and bowls are all made from eco-friendly materials.
• We buy seasonal produce from local farmers.
• We have our own herb garden.
• We're in the planning stages of starting our own vegetable garden.

Department of Engineering

• New hot water heater low impact, low fuel.
• 60% of all tools are rechargeable which reduces our dependence on batteries. Chargers are unplugged after charging to reduce energy draw.
• We are continually replacing old windows with new energy star approved windows.
• In addition to our Green Fiber program, we utilize a recycling company that follows New York State's mandatory recycling law's.
• Where possible, our lighting is being replaced with Energy Star approved light bulbs to reduce our energy costs. Rather than discarding the old bulbs, some of our staff members use them to create beautiful hand-painted ornaments.
• In an effort to apply eco-friendly systems, we do not use any chemicals or pesticides on our lawns.
• Our natural settings include 30 acres of woods, vast lawns, apple trees and adjacent Huyck Nature Preserve and Lake Myosotis which attracts a variety of wildlife.