Welcome Back: All You Need to Know about Sustainability at UNC Charlotte
Welcome back! As the fall semester begins and you settle back into the school year, learn about ways you can get involved with sustainability on campus as a UNC Charlotte employee. From attending an event, becoming a Sustainability Ambassador, and opting for alternative transportation, there are many options to choose from!
Become a sustainability ambassador
Interested in expanding your knowledge of sustainability at UNC Charlotte? Applications for the 2026-2027 Sustainability Ambassador cohort are open until September 14th. This program is open to all full-time staff and faculty, and is a great professional development opportunity to meet fellow UNC Charlotte community members with a passion for sustainability, and learn how to make a positive difference in your department.
Learn more here and apply using this form, or sign up for an information session here.
Get involved on campus
There are lots of easy ways to get involved with sustainability efforts on campus! Here are a few ideas:
- Work with your colleagues to create a sustainable workplace with our Green Workplace Program. Units can sign up for badges to improve waste management practices, implement responsible purchasing practices, and more. Learn more on our website here.
- Learn how to incorporate sustainability into your curriculum by attending our annual “Infusing Sustainability into your Curriculum” faculty workshop. Learn more on our “teaching” webpage here.
- The Office of Sustainability offers guest class presentations and tours to connect sustainability principles directly with your course material. Learn more about our offerings and sign up using the form here.
- Attend an Office of Sustainability event this fall! From Campus Beautification Day to the annual Transportation Fair, there is bound to be an event that interests you! You can view a list of upcoming events on our website here.
Recycle right
Not sure what you can recycle on campus? Ask the Waste Wizard! Here are some reminders when you are recycling on campus:
- Looking to recycle a “weird” item like glasses, cables/cords, or plastic bags? Take them to a Weird Recycling Center on campus (pictured right)! Find them in the Student Union, Prospector, EPIC, Atkins Library Area 49 Makerspace, and Storrs Hall. Learn more about weird recycling here.
- Hosting an event with giveaways? Check out our Sustainable Swag resource to make informed choices when purchasing swag for an event.
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! CATS offers discounted All Access Passes to UNC Charlotte faculty and staff.
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 colleague, ride the light rail to campus, or walk to lunch 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. Visit the webpage here to sign up.
Stay in touch with sustainability at UNC Charlotte!
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.