OFFICE FOR
SUSTAINABILITY MOVING IN
• Invest in durable plastic totes - You will be moving once a year for at least the next four years. Reusable tubs will keep your stuff safe and dry and make it easier to take in and out of your new space. • Empty, flatten and recycle boxes - If you do use boxes, consider reusing them. You can even keep them under your bed or in the closet for when you're moving out. When you're ready to dispose of both cardboard boxes and the boxes of any new items that come in, empty all contents, including foam, packing paper, plastic bags and flatten your boxes. You can take them to the trash rooms for recycling. • Get thrifty - Not everything has to be brand new, so think about stocking up at a local thrift store. Buying here in Newport News is less for you to bring from home, and CNU has some great thrift stores just down the road. When in doubt follow the rule of borrowing, swapping or thrifting before purchasing new. • Plan ahead and think minimalist - This saves you time, space and effort by leaving things you can't keep or don't need at home and lightens your load and carbon footprint! Talk to your roommate to see what they're bringing to avoid bringing duplicates and unnecessary items such as a printer. Check with the Office of Residence Life to understand what is provided for you and what is prohibited.
IN YOUR NEW HOME • Use a power strip - A power strip with an on/off switch and a built-in surge protector will not only protect your electronics from getting fried in a power surge but can also reduce your carbon footprint. • Choose laundry and personal care products wisely. • Use laundry detergent strips and dryer balls as alternatives to traditional jugs of detergent and dryer sheets. These items have a significantly lower carbon footprint than traditional laundry materials. • Purchase a mesh laundry bag to wash undergarments, socks and other clothing items in. These will help your Captain to not lose items in the washing machines as well as decrease the microplastics released during the process.
REDUCE AND REUSE WHEN YOU EAT • Use reusable wherever possible! Bring reusable silverware when you are getting takeout and opt for reusable containers. Bring reusable bags to the grocery store. These steps will decrease the waste laying around your room while saving materials. • When shopping, look for items that come in recyclable packaging, or even no packaging! If recyclable packaging, be informed about which items we recycle on campus. Right now we recycle plastic labeled #1 or #2. For more details about our recycling dos and don’ts, visit cnu.edu/sustainability/recycling. 62
