Do you want to learn more about reducing your carbon footprint and practicing sustainable habits? Perhaps you’ve been doing it all your life, or maybe you want to but don’t know where to start.
There are opportunities on campus for you to connect with people and organizations to help you live green. Here are some ways to connect with others if you’re interested in sustainability.
Take the first step
Earth Day is coming up and what better way to celebrate our home than by making small changes in our lives to live more green. It’s always the right time to change your habits and try different ways to be more sustainable. Luckily, there are resources on campus to help you get started.
You can start by being part of the Sustainable Buffs community. You’ll join like-minded Buffs who are also starting or continuing their journeys on all things sustainability. You can choose your level of engagement in the actions you take. Registering your bike or signing up for an Eco-Visit are a few of the ways you can take the first steps. Check out the Sustainable Buffs Guide and learn tips on what you can start doing now to be a Sustainable Buff.
Participate to learn more
The 29th Campus Sustainability Summit is back! The summit is an event hosted by the Environmental Center (E-Center) and other campus departments to showcase campus research, programs and innovations related to sustainability, climate and the environment. The event will boast booths highlighting student projects, award ceremonies, workshops, music, food and more!
If you are still wanting more, attend the Sustainable Solutions Challenge Pitch Night and learn about sustainable ideas fellow Buffs have created to make CU Boulder more green! At pitch night, you’ll have the chance to hear from the top five teams and vote for your favorite. All presentations will be judged live and are open to audience members in person and through Zoom. Cash prizes will be awarded to a winner, a runner-up and an audience favorite.
The E-Center is your go-to place for all things related to sustainability. The center has a variety of programs and ways for you to get involved and live more sustainably. From certificate programs, tips on what you can do to reduce your carbon footprint, events, resources and tools, there’s something for everyone. Take some time to explore the E-Center’s website and discover how you can lead your life more sustainably and make an impact on campus.
Get involved in student organizations
You have the opportunity to explore programs on campus that focus on sustainability. Whether you want to be an advocate for sustainability in your community or get involved in renewable energy, there are student organizations that align with your interests. Search the “environmental” category on BuffConnect to find what’s interesting to you.
If you are a member of a CU Boulder recognized fraternity or sorority, you can become a Green Greeks representative. The Green Greeks mission is to help CU Boulder’s Greek community reduce its environmental impact. As a representative, you have the opportunity to foster greater environmental understanding, teach proper waste diversion, build positive lifelong habits and shape the Greek community into champions of sustainability.
To help make the Boulder campus a greener and more socially just place, join the Environmental Center Board (EBoard). As an Eboard member, you will help oversee the activities, budget and programs of the nation’s largest student-run environmental center. Plus, you’ll get to work directly with other students and administrators to catalyze change!
Attend events
A great way to meet people who share your interests and learn something together is by attending events. Be on the lookout for activities you can be a part of to learn more!
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Campus Sustainability Series: Zero Waste on April 14
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Ralphie’s Green Stampede (volunteer at football and basketball games)
Try things on your own
If you’d like to explore on your own or with a friend, here are a few suggestions for things you can do in your own time.
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Apply for a job with the E-Center!
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Sign the pledge to be a Sustainable Buff.
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Learn how to live sustainably in all aspects of your life: food, water, energy, products, transportation, zero waste and home and work.
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Use public transportation or ride your bike to help reduce your carbon footprint.
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Volunteer to help clean up waste at football, basketball games and other events.
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Search for environmentally focused volunteer opportunities on CUServes.
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Watch documentaries about environmental issues to learn more.
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Check out books on issues you care about and can give you tips on living a more sustainable life.
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Sign up for a free EcoKit and start reducing your environmental impact.
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Carry a reusable water bottle with you to reduce your use of plastic.
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Put waste in the proper recycling, compost or trash bins.
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Use reusable bags for grocery shopping.
For more tips and resources for getting involved, visit the Student Affairs website, check out student events and be sure to follow @CUBoulderLife on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!