By Kai Okazaki, Student Coordinator, Sustainability in Residence
Sustainability is a university value that continues to grow in importance, thanks in part, to student leaders who care. Sustainable food systems and targets for reducing greenhouse gases, waste and water use are all areas in which our university wants to lead. Here’s where you come in!
Sort It Out!
UBC aspires to a campus where all unwanted products and materials will be treated as resources to be used again. UBC residents play a huge role in helping us achieve our goals. Residences are equipped with sorting areas—usually in the basement—for recyclables, e-waste, donations and trash and dining halls have sorting areas for food scraps, compost and waste during meal time. Residents should learn how to use sorting areas and visit these areas frequently during their stay on campus.
Smart day-to-day choices
Living in residence means making daily choices that help reduce waste and energy consumption. Make a difference by being a leader in your personal life and among roommates. Here are a few tips:
- Turn off unnecessary lights.
- Unplug electronic equipment.
- Wash clothes in cold water.
- Take shorter showers (save up to 20 litres per minute).
- Aim to buy or cook organic and local produce.
Mindful Move Out
Moving sustainably means donating, trading and recycling materials you don’t plan to take home with you. When moving out of residence, follow the Five Steps of a Mindful Move Out.
Get involved
Many residences have sustainability committees that work hard to bring sustainable programs into residence. UBC also offers more than 480 courses that explore and engage the economic, social and environmental challenges surrounding sustainability. Taking some of these courses may make you think and act differently by broadening your learning experience.