Six sustainability tips worth practicing on campus

This free water refill station is located just outside the CSA office on the second floor of the University Centre. You can take the elevators to the right of the bus loop entrance.

HEATHER GILMORE

We all have to share this world and we can each make a difference by making small changes in our daily routine. Following these tips for on-campus sustainability will not only lessen the stress on the Earth, but also on your wallet.

There are several compost bins scattered around campus and located near residences. You can get a small compost container from the Sustainability Office (located in the basement of Blackwood Hall), when they have them in stock, or buy a small container with a lid from the dollar store.

When you have unopened food that you won’t be consuming donate it to the Guelph Student FoodBank (a CSA service located at 620 Gordon St.). If you have a plastic water bottle that you do not use anymore it can also be donated rather than thrown out. The FoodBank accepts and offers a large variety of unopened and unused goods.

If you have a bicycle you can take it to the bike shop (located next to the FoodBank) to search for replacement parts before going out and buying something new. They have plenty of used parts in good condition.

When you have small electronics to dispose of, like batteries and iPods, take them to the Sustainability Office. Larger items, like televisions or stereos, should go to the electronics bin at the bottom of the MacNaughton Building/Science Complex’s loading dock.

Try walking or biking everywhere you go, it’s great exercise and Guelph has many scenic biking trails that you can use to get almost anywhere. When you can’t walk or bike, take advantage of your student bus pass and use Guelph Transit. Avoid driving your car whenever possible to save the environment and gas money!

Do not use plastic water bottles, there are water taps to fill reusable water bottles in pretty much every building on campus and it’s better for the environment (and your wallet) to buy a reusable bottle (or mason jar with a lid, if you dare) to carry with you. Incorporating even one of these tips, or an environmentally beneficial idea of your own, can help the world breathe a little easier.

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