Going Green: Tips for student organizations

REDUCE, REUSE, REPURPOSE, RECYCLE

Meetings

Go paperless: eliminate the need for paper agendas and minutes by sending them electronically.
If handouts are necessary, print on both sides of the paper.
Use scratch paper! There is always plenty lying around the printers (then recycle it when it is no longer needed).
After the meeting is over, make sure lights are turned off in the room and computer equipment is properly logged off or shut down. Turn monitors off.
Take a reusable water bottle to meetings, so plastic disposable bottles are not used. Bring travel coffee mugs if hot beverages are to be served.

Events

Limit the use of disposable cups, plates, and napkins. Use washable dinnerware if possible.
Resist serving individually packaged food items and soda. These items create more waste.
Reduce the amount of meat on your menu or go meatless.
Reuse or borrow decorations instead of buying new.
Make sure recycle bins are visible and accessible.
Avoid "junk" giveaways. Consider the usefulness and packaging of giveaways.
Consider giving away experiences instead of things.
Break the t-shirt addiction! Do students really need another t-shirt?
Buy recycled, organic, and fair trade items when possible.
Walk, bike, or carpool to events.
Don't use styrofoam.

Travel