Take the pledge:
We pledge, as a group, to lead more sustainable
lifestyles, which take into account
both the environmental and social
impacts of our actions.
We will strive within our homes, community, and places of work or study
to reduce Pacific Lutheran University's environmental impact.
As a team, we will support and encourage each other as we pledge our group
to at least one action from each of the below sections.
(Check at least one from each category)
… reduce, reuse, and recycle the waste we create by:
Reducing the amount of resources we purchase, consume, and discard.
Using a reusable grocery bag when shopping.
Using a reusable ceramic or plastic mug.
Conserving paper.
Editing on the screen and saving to disk rather than printing.
Sending and storing electronically.
Printing double sided.
Designating a box for scrap paper that we can reuse.
Reusing envelopes by placing a new label over the old address.
Making a habit of recycling.
Finding out what we can recycle at PLU.
Closing the loop and purchasing recycled or reused products.
Finding new uses for old things, like using a grocery bag as a trash bag.
Keeping in mind the lifetime of a product, trying to reduce use of disposable items.
Avoiding products with excessive packaging, and looking for packaging that is recyclable or reusable.
…conserving energy by:
Not running the water while we brush our teeth or shave.
Limiting shower times, and using hot water sparingly.
Doing only full loads of laundry and dishes.
Using the self-foaming soap provided in all bathrooms on campus so we only need to turn the water on to rinse our hands off.
Turning off unused or unneeded lights (especially when we leave a room).
Using natural lighting whenever possible.
Using compact fluorescent bulbs which conserve electricity and transmit less heat than incandescent bulbs.
Avoiding decorative lighting.
Minimizing our computer usage.
Turning our computers off when not in use.
Not using power strips to turn on all computers and peripherals.
Minimizing
use of screen savers and enabling power management features so
equipment will go into a low power or sleep mode when inactive.
Turning off monitors and speakers when not in use.
Shutting down our computers every night which will not harm our computer or reduce its lifespan.
Purchasing low wattage equipment certified by the Energy Star program.
Turning off and unplugging all energy consuming equipment when not in use.
Arranging our desks next to a window so we can study to natural light.
Drying our clothes on a drying rack rather than in the dryer.
Reducing use of heating and cooling devices.
Dressing appropriately for the season.
Keeping the thermostats at 68 degrees in the winter and 76 degrees for air-conditioned spaces in the summer.
Keeping windows and doors in heated or air-conditioned areas closed
Printing double sided.
…eat sustainably by:
Eating locally; which saves transportation costs and helps the local economy.
Taking
only so much as we can eat at meals, and composting what we don’t eat
(using the composting bins provided in each residence hall).
Eating lower on the food chain and avoiding meats.
Avoiding disposable plates, cups, flatware, and trays.
Avoiding take out food which is over packaged.
Eating organic whenever possible.
…become eco-friendly travelers by:
Walking or riding bikes rather than driving, which will save on gas,
reduce air pollution, reduce parking congestion, and will be healthier for our bodies as well.
Riding public transportation at least twice a week.
Riding public transportation rather than driving my car.
Driving efficiently (carpooling).
Turning our cars off rather than leaving them in idle.
…experience sustainability as a community by:
Recruiting others to sign the pledge.
Taking part in Outdoor Recreation trips around and off campus.
Volunteering my time to help sustainability at PLU.
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