Do you have a passion for reducing your carbon footprint and practicing more 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 many opportunities on campus for you to connect with people and organizations that fit your interests. Here are some ways to connect with others if you’re interested in sustainability.
Discover campus programs
It’s always the right time to learn about programs and opportunities available to you to learn more about sustainability. Here are some places to get started.
Profound Connections: Explore clubs that focus on sustainability. Whether you like animals or learning more about renewable energy, there are likely clubs that align with your interests. You can also check out the list of environmental organizations on Buff Connect.
Environmental Center (E-Center): The E-Center is your go-to place for all things related to sustainability. Whether you want to get involved or learn more about how to live sustainably, there are many opportunities waiting for you. The center facilitates student leadership and ingenuity for social equity, economic vitality and ecological resilience.
Sustainable Buffs: Join other like minded Buffs by joining the Sustainable Buffs Community. You can choose your level of engagement by taking sustainable action like registering your bike, taking a campus green tour or signing up for an Eco-Visit. Learn more about ways to be a Sustainable Buff by checking out the Sustainable Buffs Guide.
Green Greeks: Green Greeks is on a mission to help CU’s Greek community reduce its environmental impact. They aim to transform all chapter houses and annexes into prime examples of energy and water efficient living spaces, to foster greater environmental understanding, to teach proper waste diversion, to build positive lifelong habits and to shape the Greek community into champions of sustainability.
Environmental Center Board (EBoard): The Environmental Board, a joint board of CU Student Government (CUSG), helps students make the Boulder campus a greener, more socially just place by overseeing the activities, budget and programs of the nation’s largest student-run environmental center. As an E-Center board member, you can work directly with 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!
- Ralphie’s Green Stampede (volunteer at football and basketball games)
- Conversations with Sustainable Buffs: Lives of the Ecologically Rich (Mondays)
- EBoard Meetings (Wednesdays)
- Clean Up and Eat Up (Wednesdays)
- SEEC Community Garden Care (Thursdays)
- Global Sustainability Conference (Oct. 12-14)
- Campus Sustainability Summit (spring)
- Food and Environmental Justice Week (March)
- Full list of Environmental Center events
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.
- Apply for a job with the E-Center!
- Sign the pledge to be a sustainable Buff
- Learn how to live sustainably in all aspects of your life: food, water, energy, products, transportation, zero waste and home and work
- Use public transport or ride your bike to help reduce your carbon footprint
- Check out 5 things you can do to be more sustainable
- Volunteer to help clean up waste at football, basketball games and other events
- Watch documentaries about environmental issues to learn more
- Check out books on issues you care about and can give you tips on living a more sustainable life
- Sign up for a free EcoKit and start reducing your environmental impact
- Carry a reusable water bottle with you to reduce your use of plastic.
- Put waste in the proper recycling, compost or trash bins
- Use reusable bags for grocery shopping
In case you missed it: Connect with Buffs to learn about other cultures.
For more tips and resources for getting involved, visit the Student Affairs website, check out student events and be sure to follow us on social media @CUBoulderLife on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!