Sustainability at the University of Maryland

What Can You Do?

Explore each category:

At Home

Waste Management

Dining (On and Off Campus)

At Work

  • Develop Sustainability Guidelines. Many people need to learn about sustainability and need guidance to be more sustainable. Develop sustainability guidelines for your department or unit that describe specific sustainability practices that should be followed. Think of all the activities your department or unit is involved in when developing the guidelines.
  • Think Sustainability. When selecting equipment and products, select those that minimize water and energy use and generate the minimum amount of waste products, including wastewater. When contracting services, select vendors who have incorporated sustainability into the services they provide, including the products they use and the means by which they manage waste products resulting from the services they perform.
  • Use Post-Consumer Content Paper. Purchase at least 30% post-consumer content paper for all of your office needs. 100% post consumer paper is readily available and is of high quality. Ensure all department brochures, posters and other printing projects are on 100% post consumer paper. The University’s Printing Services can provide assistance.
  • Purchase Recycled Materials. For any materials you purchase, check for products that contain recycled material. Also, consider if the product can be recycled at the end of its life.
  • Reduce Paper Usage. Send documents and memos electronically. If you must print, print double-sided.
  • Use The Recycling Bins! Recycling bins should be in every building on campus but they might not be in the best locations. You know the habits and patterns of your coworkers best; if you see that a recycling bin would be more effective if it were in a different location, please move it. Better yet, ask your coworkers where the bin should be located to make it easier to use.
  • Reduce Chemical Usage and Hazardous Waste. Purchase chemical products that are “environmentally-friendly”, that is, non-hazardous, whenever possible. Only buy the quantity needed. Unused chemicals make up the majority of the hazardous waste requiring disposal.
  • Do Eco-Friendly Office Parties. Instead of using disposable cups (especially polystyrene), ask everyone in the office to bring in their own mug/cup to keep in the office. The mugs/cups just need to be rinsed out at the end of the party.
  • Report Maintenance Issues. If you see a leaky faucet, a running toilet, lights that are constantly on, or anything else that is wasting water or energy, please report the issue.
  • Request Student Help. Many students seek opportunities to be involved in sustainability projects on campus. Use the campus sustainability website (www.sustainability.umd.edu/form_vol.asp) to identify your project and recruit student volunteers.
  • Submit Your Green Ideas. Many people have ideas to make the campus more sustainable. Some of the ideas may be new. Submit your ideas to the Office of Sustainability via http://www.sustainability.umd.edu/form_ideas.asp
  • Be a Role Model. Students learn from their surroundings and they notice when you don't recycle. Help make the University of Maryland a sustainable campus by doing your part and encouraging others to do theirs.
  • Post this Energywi$e flyer in your office kitche area to Conserve in the Kitchen

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