When it comes to sustainability, small everyday actions can make a big difference. Office of Sustainability Director Elisabeth Reed shared the following five ways Illinois State University students, faculty, and staff can contribute to campuswide sustainability efforts.
1. Compost your food scraps
Help divert waste from the landfill by composting your food scraps and compostable products at new Compost Kiosks across campus.
“Reducing food waste is a critical step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” Reed said. “We can all do our part here at ISU.”
2. Take a sustainability course
There are so many sustainability courses to choose from even if your major is not related to sustainability. Sustainability is everywhere.
“We have an opportunity to educate our campus community to be stewards of our environment, to create a culture of social responsibility, and to provide the tools for our students to actively participate,” Reed said. “If we can do this while they are here at ISU, then they will expect this from their communities, their workplaces, and their neighborhoods. We have created a tremendous and positive ripple effect. There is nothing more rewarding than hearing from a former student making the world a better place because of what they learned here at ISU.”
3. Join a sustainability-themed RSO
There are many to choose from including the Student Sustainability Committee, Plant Based at State, the Student Environmental Action Coalition, Fix It Friday, Brown Boots, the Renewable Energy Society, the Horticulture Club, and more. Students can find a full listing at RedbirdLife.IllinoisState.edu. Faculty and staff can become involved in the Green Team, a faculty and staff initiative to assist with sustainability efforts on campus, by emailing Sustainability@IllinoisState.edu.
“Sustainability-themed RSOs directly provide students with opportunities to help make a difference in their community while also having fun and meeting new faces,” said Kirsten Townander, a junior music education, music composition, and flute performance triple major. “ISU’s RSOs are easily accessible, too. A detailed list can be found online, and usually the process of joining is super simple. I highly recommend them to anyone wanting to learn a thing or two about sustainability.”
4. Reduce single-use plastic
One of Reed’s current goals is to reduce single-use plastic across campus, and everyone can do their part. Bring a reusable bottle wherever possible and fill up at one of the more than 90 refillable water stations across campus. Refuse plastic lids, straws, and containers whenever possible. If you are hosting an event, choose compostable products instead of single-use plastic. When you have consumed something plastic, make sure it is actually recyclable before dropping it in a recycle bin. Download or take a screenshot of campus recycling signage so you’ll always have it handy.
“Most of us know reduce, reuse, recycle, but I like to add another important ‘R’: refuse. What everyday items such as plastic straws or lids can you refuse?” Reed said.
5. Follow the Office of Sustainability on social media
Follow @SustainISU via Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date about events and happenings around campus.
The Office of Sustainability and the Center for Mathematics, Science, and Technology are collaborating to host The Green Screen: A Climate Change Film Series. Films feature a different topic each month with a focus on the global climate change crisis. All screenings take place at the Normal Theater and are free and open to the community.
