Passive Sustainability Programs

Purpose: to inspire action to reduce, reuse, and recycle by engendering a sense of accountability.

Materials: A piece of butcher paper, markers, pen, and blue tape.

Procedure: On a piece of butcher paper, write the following pledge (feel free to modify as appropriate for your hall): I pledge to REDUCE by taking shorter showers, unplugging electronics when not in use, printing double sided, and monitoring my consumption habits. I pledge to REUSE by using reusable dishes, utensils, and cups, as well as a reusable water bottle. I pledge to RECYCLE my aluminum, plastic, paper, chipboard, cardboard, printer cartridges, and batteries in the appropriate locations within the hall. SIGNED: Tape to the lobby wall.

Helpful Hints: Leave a pen or marker taped to the wall for residents’ easy use.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Table

Purpose: to promote an ethic of reuse.

Materials: A table and paper for signs.

Procedure: As a staff, do some Spring Cleaning in the staff office to get the table started. Place unwanted items on the table with a sign that reads “Free stuff.” Take it or leave it. All items left after X date will be donated to X organization.” Insert the date and organization as appropriate. Leave the table in the lobby and watch how items appear and disappear. On the specified date, take the tables’ contents to Salvation Army/Goodwill, etc.

Helpful Hints: It is VERY helpful to start the table out with some items.