SUSTAINABILITY
TL;DR Welcome to the University of Alberta. We know you’re going to be an academic superstar. With this handy guide, you can master campus sustainability too. Here’s everything you need to start living and studying sustainably.
sustainability.ualberta.ca
Recycling & Composting One of the easiest ways to fight climate change is already in your hands. When organics (food scraps, napkins, sandwich wrappers, etc.) are sent to landfill, they can release greenhouse gases. Keep that stuff out of the landfill by dropping it in the organics bin (anywhere with a set of Zero Waste bins). Sort your disposables into the right recycling bins and suddenly—they're no longer trash, but valuable resources. Pick the right bin for paper, plastic, cans & bottles and revel in the feeling of accomplishment.
ď…Œ sustainability.ualberta.ca/recycling
Academics So you’re passionate about the environment and social justice? Don’t check your personal interests at the door! Here's how to make sustainability a part of your studies: •
Add the certificate in sustainability to your current major. You’ll take 12 credits in sustainability-focused courses and get to do a 3-credit integrative project.
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The undergraduate research initiative can provide funding and support to kick-start your sustainability research project.
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Get out of the classroom and help Edmonton’s community organizations by taking a course with community service-learning.
sustainability.ualberta.ca/academics
Transportation Whether you're a seasoned commuter or a recreational cyclist, sustain su’s bike library can help you gear up. You can rent a bike (April–October), fix your ride, get help from a bike mechanic, attend workshops and buy parts. Your u-pass is a golden ticket to cheap transit. It’s better for your wallet and the planet. Plus, you can study on the bus— or even sleep! Just remember to get a fresh sticker on your ONEcard at the start of each semester. If you drive infrequently, check out pogo carshare. Students can sign up for free with an @ualberta.ca email. The service is all-inclusive: you pay for the time used, but gas, parking and insurance are included in the price.
sustainability.ualberta.ca/transportation
Food Learning on an empty stomach is awful. Thanks to the campus food bank, putting healthy, nutritious food in your cupboard is a bit easier. This confidential service is here to help you. And if you want to lend a hand, watch for their annual Halloween food drive, trick-or-eat. Every summer on every campus, the university’s community gardens fill with fresh fruits and veggies. Volunteers (students, staff and community members) grow and harvest everything. Feed your green thumb, support food security and take home some fresh produce. Who doesn’t love an eco-discount? Save money by bringing a reusable mug or food container to most campus dining locations (details on our webpage).
sustainability.ualberta.ca/food
Residences Wanna show how green you can be? Get your room green spaces certified. Browse the checklist for ideas and assess your living space. Then commit to the sustainable practices of your choice. You’ll earn gold, silver or bronze and receive a certificate to show off inspire your friends down the hall. Don't know what to do with your pile of old stuff when moving out of residence? Fear not! You can easily donate clothes, non-perishable food, electronics and more during eco move out. Drop it in the donation bins (available in April and July) and we’ll take care of the rest.
sustainability.ualberta.ca/residences
Water Take back the tap and your wallet! Grab a reusable water bottle and fill up on tap water. It’s 1000x more affordable than buying water in disposable bottles and you avoid the ecological cost of all that plastic. You can refill your bottle at a hydration station or drinking fountain. (Check the map on our webpage for dozens of locations). Need a reusable water bottle? You can win a free bottle by doing sustainability challenges with the Office of Sustainability. Watch for their outreach team during orientation, move-in, Sustainability Awareness Week and throughout the year.
ď…Œ sustainability.ualberta.ca/water
Informed & Engaged Learn about green buildings, renewable energy and useful services with sustainability campus tours. They are offered by Campus Visits most days of the year. Stay informed—subscribe to the university's sustainabilityfocused email newsletter. Meet the people leading innovative initiatives; get invited to upcoming events and exclusive programs; find job and funding opportunities—all without leaving your inbox. The best way to get started in campus sustainability? Make new friends and get involved as one of the Office of Sustainability's campus sustainability volunteers.
ď…Œ sustainability.ualberta.ca/news