Green Initiatives

Recycling Policy

COCA endeavors to reduce the waste generated onsite by promoting the recycling of materials and maintaining a clean, sustainable, and environmentally conscious facility. COCA participates in single-stream recycling with bins provided throughout the building and signage indicating which materials are acceptable by Republic Services Recycling Plant, where University City’s recyclables are sorted. COCA is committed to protecting and improving the environment by recycling commonly used materials, such as mixed paper, cardboard, plastic/glass containers, and aluminum/tin/steel cans; printer cartridges; hazardous materials, such as batteries; and electronic equipment. All patrons, volunteers, Board of Directors, faculty, and staff are strongly encouraged to comply with this recycling policy and participate in efforts to reduce waste.

Daylighting Policy

In order to maximize the benefits of natural light, COCA refrains from turning on overhead lights until necessary and utilizing natural light as often as possible.

Office Supply Purchasing Policy

COCA shall, whenever possible, purchase environmentally friendly (i.e., green) office supplies.

• When possible and are similar in cost, items made from post-consumer or post-industrial recycled content should be considered
• Purchase from companies that have environmentally friendly practices
• Quality built products that have a longer life-cycle should also be considered as they will not be disposed of as frequently
• Purchase goods that can be manufactured, used, and disposed of in an environmentally friendly way

Green Cleaning Services Policy

COCA shall, whenever possible, purchase environmentally friendly cleaning supplies.

• COCA purchases 100% post-consumer recycled content paper towels and toilet paper
• COCA purchases environmentally friendly cleaning supplies; Most products have the “Green Seal^®”

Maintenance & Building Supply Purchasing Policy

COCA (and our maintenance vendors) shall, whenever possible, purchase environmentally friendly (i.e., green) cleaning supplies.

• When possible and are similar in cost, items made from post-consumer or post-industrial recycled content should be considered
• Purchase from companies that have environmentally friendly practices
• Purchase goods that can be manufactured, used and disposed of in an environmentally friendly way
• Purchase products, when fiscally possible, that have low VOC (volatile organic compounds)
• Recycle old paints, etc./dispose of in environmentally friendly ways

Electronics Purchasing Policy

COCA’s vendors must provide products that earn the ENERGY STAR and meet the ENERGY STAR specifications for energy efficiency.

At COCA, we are committed to building a stronger, healthier community and using our resources wisely. That ranges from striving to be a welcoming and accessible place for everyone to participate in the arts, to caring for our historic building, to using our donors’ investments responsibly, and of course, caring for the environment in which we do our work.

Kelly Pollock, COCA Former Executive Director (2010–2022)

St. Louis Green Business Challenge

2021 | Completion of the St. Louis Green Business Challenge, Champion Leader Level
2020 | Completion of the St. Louis Green Business Challenge, Champion Leader Level
2019 | Completion of the St. Louis Green Business Challenge, Champion Leader Level
2018 | Completion of the St. Louis Green Business Challenge, receiving 3rd place in the Challenge Leader Level

The St. Louis Green Business Challenge was launched in 2010 by the St. Louis Regional Chamber of Commerce working with the Missouri Botanical Garden. The Challenge supports integration of sustainability measures into the kinds of everyday operational practices common to every business. Participants identify and adapt the strategies that improve financial performance and engage employees in voluntary measures to reduce environmental impacts.