Green in the Residence Halls

Move In

Get in touch with your future roommate!
There are all sorts of great things you can learn about your new friend!
One of the really important eco-friendly things to talk about is what you`re bringing with you!
Some things to consider sharing:

• TV's
• Mini-fridge
• Area rugs (PLU doesn`t store carpet over the summer, so you`ll want to bring something that you can easily take home with you!)
• Any larger furniture you might be bringing

This saves you space & money, and can REALLY help cut down on the use of electricity & waste!

What to bring

It's important to consider this question when thinking about what to bring:

"Do I really need this?"

Remember that you are sharing a smaller space than you`re probably used to, with someone else who probably has a lot of stuff, too!

When you`ve decided what is most important and you`re packing it all up, consider a green alternative-Pack those items in a suitcase or plastic storage container that you can use throughout the year!

Check out the energySTAR website for more great energy saving ideas!

During the Year :

Get Involved!

This year, on campus residents had a chance to compete with each other to see who could reduce their energy usage the most! It was a tough competition that required everyone's participation! Check out the website for more information!
http://www.plu.edu/sustainability/How-can-I-be-involved/home.php

Green Dining

If you live on campus, you have to have a meal plan! Check out the Dining Services website to get more information on how they`re going green!

Recycling & Composting :

Every Residence Hall has Recycling rooms and Composting programs to keep things from going to the landfill! Check with your RA to learn where you can find these services in your building!

Getting Around

Don't have a car to bring to campus? GREAT!

Here are some earth-lovin' ways to get around campus:

Bikes

Bikes are a great way to get around campus and the local community and get some exercise at the same time!
Not only is your car hazardous for the environment, but also your wallet-parking costs between $30 and $125, not to mention the rising cost of gas!

There are bike racks all over campus, and safe, clean and free bike rooms in every residence hall!

There are many restaurants, grocery stores, and recreational activities in a bike-able distance.

Bus

Another alternative to driving is the local bus system. Pierce Transit is an inexpensive way to get around Tacoma, and connects most other major cities in the area. In addition, ASPLU sometimes has free passes!

Moving Out :

Getting Rid of Things

PLU has a surPLUs store on campus that takes things that students no longer have use for! At the end of the year, there are bins in all the residence halls. Students can put their unwanted things into the bins, and they are later donated to local charities or recycled (this includes carpet, though area rugs are much more eco-friendly!)

Student Involvement in Sustainability

Interested in getting involved with sustainability projects when you get to campus? Here are three student groups that lead the green revolution on campus:

GREAN-Grass Roots Environmental Action Now is a student club dedicated to all things green!

RHA/RHC Sustainability Directors-Every building has a hall council that is responsible for programming for their residents. Each team has a Sustainability Director! Find out when your hall meets & check it out!

ASPLU-ASPLU is our student government, and is another great way to get involved in sustainability issues! We have a Sustainability Director as well as a whole committee who are responsible for the programs that go on around campus.