College life is busy with classes, activities, socializing and more. But protecting the environment should still be a priority. Campuses generate a lot of waste and pollution from dorms, dining halls, labs and facilities. Here are 5 ways students and staff can work to prevent pollution and create a healthier, more sustainable campus community.
- Reduce Energy Use
The energy used to power campus buildings produces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change and air pollution. Simple steps like turning off lights, using sunlight instead of electric lights when possible, and enabling power-saving modes on electronics can conserve a lot of energy. Advocating for energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy sources on campus can have an even bigger impact.
- Recycle Everything Possible
Recycling is key to reducing the solid waste pollution generated on campus. Most schools have recycling programs for common items such as plastic, glass, paper and aluminum. But you can take it further by recycling electronics, batteries, ink cartridges and other items through special collection programs. Setting up recycling bins in all rooms and educating people on what is recyclable maximizes recycling rates.
- Rethink Transportation
The exhaust from gas-powered vehicles is a major source of air pollution on college campuses. Biking, walking, taking shuttles or buses, and using electric vehicles or golf carts are cleaner ways to get around. Launching education campaigns and incentives to encourage these alternative transportation methods can greatly improve local air quality.
- Use Sustainable Dining Options
From disposable containers to uneaten food waste, dining halls produce a lot of trash and pollution. Request dining halls to use compostable packaging, provide discounts for reusable mugs and containers, and recover uneaten food for donations or composting. Choosing vegetarian options more often also reduces the greenhouse gas emissions associated with meat production.
- Go Paperless
Colleges use tremendous amounts of paper for handouts, flyers, documentation and more. This leads to waste, as well as pollution from manufacturing and disposing of paper. Make a push to distribute content online instead of printing it whenever possible. Use online syllabi, secure document upload sites instead of hard copies, online billing and registration, and more.
Preventing pollution requires a campus-wide effort, but it is incredibly important for protecting health and the environment, both locally and globally. By being mindful of daily choices and advocating for sustainable practices, students and staff can create lasting positive change.
Sources
- EPA Guide to Student Environmental Protection (https://www.epa.gov/students)
- Sierra Club Green Campus Campaign (https://sierraclub.org)
- AASHE Campus Sustainability Hub (https://hub.aashe.org/)
Author: Connor Coursey
Georgia College Green Initiative 