Campus Sustainability Month

  Mines is proud to participate in Campus Sustainability Month throughout October. This annual event, hosted by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), celebrates higher education sustainability achievements while raising awareness of the value of sustainability in higher education. To celebrate, the Sustainability Office will be hosting several events throughout the month of October including a sustainability townhall, green building tours and nature hike. Look for more details in the Daily Blast, digital boards, and sustainability newsletter.

 

sustainability tips

Ways to Save Energy

  • Unplug electronics and appliances when not in use (a powerstrip makes this easy)
  • Look for the EnergyStar label when purchasing computers, appliances, and other equipment
  • Switch to LED lighting, which uses much less energy to operate and lasts longer
  • Open blinds for natural light during the day
  • Turn off lights and equipment when leaving a room!
  • Reduce your room’s heating and cooling by 4 degrees
  • Take the stairs instead of the elevator
Ways to Save Water

  • Wash full loads of clothes using cold water
  • Take shorter showers (around 5 minutes)
  • Report water leaks to your RA or facilities staff
  • Turn off water when brushing your teeth
  • Saving water saves energy (20% of all electrical energy is used for pumping, treatment, and transport of water)
  • Measure your water usage.

More detailed information is found below.

    • Check out our 11 tips for conserving water here!

 

Ways to Go Zero Waste
    • Learn how to recycle right! 
    • Use reusable water bottles, containers, utensils, and shopping bags
    • Make sure your room or office has a recycle bin
    • Purchase products with recyclable packaging or no packaging
    • Consider donating old goods or thrifting
    • Try out zero waste cleaning methods such as lemon rind, salt, baking soda and vinegar
    • Learn about commercial composting services at Mines
    • Find out if your community has a compost drop site or services
    • Learn more about home composting benefits from the EPA
Sustainable Transportation

  • Walk or bike whenever possible
  • Carpool with friends and share a parking pass
  • Take the bus/lightrail one or more days per week
  • Consider buying an electric vehicle or more fuel-efficient gas vehicle
  • Explore working remotely one or two days per week
  • Calculate your carbon footprint
October Events

 

Sustainability Resources