The Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences

The Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences, the parent organization of the Buffalo Museum of Science, Tifft Nature Preserve and the Elmwood Science Spot, continuously evaluates its practices and programs to determine ways of minimizing its negative environmental impacts.

Some “best practices” implemented at all of the Society’s sites include: purchasing snack food in bulk, using rechargeable batteries, encouraging the use of lunch boxes or reusable bags instead of paper bags and reusing materials (e.g. water bottles and food containers) for projects, experiments and activities. Society employees and volunteers also make a strong effort to use ceramic mugs, glasses and cups for programs and meetings.

The Buffalo Museum of Science hosts an Abitibi Paper Retriever bin on site, where recyclable paper is collected and sent to third party processors for sorting before it is shipped to Abitibi-Consolidated mills that produce recycled newsprint. Paper is collected at all of the Society’s sites and recycled at the Museum. Plastic, glass and metal from all of the Society’s sites are recycled through the City of Buffalo’s recycling program.

Composting plays an important role at Tifft Nature Preserve and the Buffalo Museum of Science. Tifft has both open and closed outdoor composting systems, where school groups, visitors, staff and volunteers are able to compost their organic waste. At the Museum, a composting bin is located in Connections, a hands-on learning gallery on the third floor.

The Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences will continue to strive to improve and enhance its environmental practices and participate in dialogues and initiatives that move Western New York towards a greener future.

Supporting the Green Hospitality Initiative

The Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences, through collections, research, education and interpretation, provides opportunities for all people to develop a scientific understanding of the natural and cultural world with an emphasis on the Greater Niagara Region.

The Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences supports the Buffalo Green Hospitality Initiative, as it challenges the community to use its knowledge of science to enhance respect for each other and the environment. We look forward to exploring ways in which we can support the hospitality industry in its greening efforts.