Current Students | Faculty and Staff | Alumni | Parents

Campus Sustainability

You Can Help


We Need Your Help

PLU is off to a great start–but we need your help.


The steps are simple. The results are profound.

Energy

Green Energy is defined as energy generated from clean, renewable resources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, small hydro-electric and biomass. Green Energy is the sub-set of renewable energy that has the lowest environmental impact. In spring 2007, PLU students requested that $20 per student per year be set aside for purchase of green energy and energy conservation projects on campus.  Student resolution


PLU staff or faculty? Consider making a contribution to PLU's Sustainable Energy Fund

Local Food

Ever read the label on food and wondered where it was grown or caught? You can buy Alaskan Wild salmon that is a product of China! Buying local food supports local farmers and reduces carbon dioxide production (food on average travels 1500 miles from farm to plate).  Local farmer's markets give you access to locally grown food, in many cases with organic options. Most farmer's markets start in May or June, Ballard has a winter market and a few (like Pike's Place) are open all year.


Guide to local farmer's markets and farms

Recycling

Recycling can save energy, water and makes it possible to use less land to store garbage. Recycling works best when we all pitch in to carefully put recyclables and garbage in the appropriate containers. What is recyclable? Check the lists below to see what is recyclable where you live and work!


PLU recycling

Unincorporated Pierce County curbside recycling

CloverCreek

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Water

PLU’s commitment to protecting the region’s water is only as good as its students, faculty and staff. On campus and at home, there are plenty of simple things you can do to help conserve this precious resource.


Fix plumbing leaks.
The average leaky faucet wastes up to 2,700 gallons per year.

Check your water meter when no water is being used. If the meter is running, you have a leak.

Take short showers. Even with only five-minute showers, a typical family of four will use about 700 gallons of water per week.

Install aerators on kitchen and bathroom faucets. A family of four can save about 10 gallons per day.

Run dishwashers and
washing machines only with full loads.

Do not allow water to
run continuously when washing dishes, brushing your teeth, washing your hands, or shaving.

Choose native plants for
your garden. Native plants have adapted to this climate, requiring little or no additional watering.

Water your lawn and
garden during the coolest part of the day.

Sweep driveways,
 
sidewalks and steps. It’s better than hosing them.