Back to School: Sustainability Version
Welcome back, Niners! As you prepare to return to campus, or are coming to campus for the first time, there are lots of ways you can make green choices and help keep UNC Charlotte sustainable.
Green Shopping List
If you are living on campus, think about the items you are (and aren’t) packing up in boxes. Some simple choices and alternatives can help save you money, reduce waste, and save energy. Below is a short Green Shopping List for quick reference as you’re packing up your bags.
And while you’re at it, make sure to check out our Green Living Guide for more tips and tricks for staying sustainable while at UNC Charlotte.
| Please Bring to Campus | Please Don’t Bring to Campus |
|---|---|
| SMART power strips | Space heater |
| Bike, lock, and helmet | Recycling bin (it’s provided!) |
| Recycled water bottle pens (like B2P pens) | Candles, incense, or open flames |
| 50-100% recycled paper | Adhesive LED light strips |
| E-books/electronic textbooks | Unfused extension cords & multi-plug adapters |
| CFL or LED light bulbs | |
| Green cleaning and laundry supplies | |
| Keep an indoor plant as a natural air freshener | |
| ENERGY STAR-certified electronics and appliances | |
| Organic bedding, cosmetics, and personal care products | |
| Reusable dishes, utensils, coffee mugs, and water bottles |
Get involved on campus
There are lots of easy ways to get involved with sustainability efforts on campus! Here are a few ideas:
- Join a sustainability-oriented student organization! There are over 30 sustainability-related student organizations on campus. Check out the full list of student organizations here and search Niner Engage for club meeting times and more information.
- Attend an Office of Sustainability event this fall! From the Student Sustainability Summit to a guided bike ride, there’s bound to be something that interests you. Check out a full list of upcoming events on our events webpage or on the Office’s Niner Engage page.
Recycle right
Not sure what you can recycle on campus? Ask the Waste Wizard! Here are some reminders when you are recycling on campus:
- Keep an eye out for corrals to place used cardboard and styrofoam after unpacking your bags! Check out the Recycling webpage here for the corral locations.
- All residence halls have waste rooms (like the one pictured on the right) where you can take bottles/cans, paper, and cardboard for recycling.
opt for alternative transportation
Niner Transit buses, LIME scooters and bikes, and pedestrian-friendly paths across campus offer convenient ways to get around campus quickly and without driving. Want to take a trip off campus? Hop on the Light Rail! It’s free for all UNC Charlotte students.
This August, you can also enter to win weekly and grand prizes through the Mecklenburg County Fresh Air Rides program! If you choose to carpool with a roommate, ride the light rail to campus, or walk to class instead of driving, you’re already doing a Fresh Air Ride — now’s the time to log it. Every trip logged helps our region work toward cleaner air for Charlotte.
Stay in touch with sustainability at UNC Charlotte!
Make sure to follow our Niner Engage page here for upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and more this fall.
Check out our Recent News page here for updates throughout the year! We will share monthly Recreation Reviews on local recreation spots near campus, Vegan/Vegetarian Recipes to try, and Sustainability Spotlights highlighting UNC Charlotte students, staff, and faculty making a positive difference on campus.