Illustration by Jesse Kuhn
When looking to go green, it’s tough to know where to begin. These Washington University initiatives demonstrate the three basic commandments of sustainability: reduce, recycle, and reuse.
1. Reduce energy consumption. Since 1992, says assistant vice chancellor for campus sustainability Matthew Malten, the university has gone green (and lowered costs) by reducing its per-square-foot consumption between 40 and 50 percent. Take similar steps by adding home insulation, using low-energy lighting, and unplugging items not in use.
2. Use alternative transportation. Free U-Passes grant every Wash. U. student and faculty member access to Metro transit. On campus, several Enterprise WeCars can be reserved.
3. Plant a garden. The Danforth University Center features an herb garden that campus chefs use for meals, and students recently created the on-campus Burning Kumquat farm.
4. Drink from the tap. Wash. U. recently became the first college campus to ban sales of bottled water, encouraging people to fill up from the tap. The initiative may save money on recycling and drinks—and set the tone for green reforms to come.
5. Donate or resell used furniture. TKE fraternity established its annual furniture drive to benefit Operation Food Search. Now SWAP (Sharing With a Purpose), a student-run nonprofit, will sell collected furniture back to students—with proceeds going to Lydia’s House. Keeping usable items out of landfills + charitable giving = a program worth adopting.
