Here's How You Can Live More Sustainably on Campus





Reconsider your method of transportation



Reduce food waste

Composting is a great way to cut back on food waste. While UC does not give students the ability to compost their own waste, the university has implemented composting initiatives in several dining halls, including On the Green and Market Point.

Students can also reduce the amount of meat they consume. UC’s food courts offer plenty of meatless options, and there are even vegan options.

Outside of the dining halls, students should also consider where their food is coming from. Locally produced foods mean less energy spent in transportation, which in turn reduces your carbon footprint.

It’s all about the little things

“Every little thing helps when it comes to sustainability,” said Erin LeFever, assistant sustainability coordinator at UC Sustainability. “Things people can do on a daily basis, like drink coffee from a reusable mug, can make a difference. Students can cut out single-use plastic from their lives pretty easily by using a reusable water bottle, reusable bags and reusable coffee mugs.”

Looking for other simple ways to reduce energy consumption and plastic waste? Try these:

    1. Whenever possible, take the stairs instead of the elevator
    2. Bring reusable utensils when going out to eat — even if it’s just a reusable straw
    3. Take shorter showers
    4. If nobody else is in the dorm, turn off the lights when you leave