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Going Back to School Sustainably

New students and those returning to campus this fall can prepare to live sustainably by thinking about the environment when shopping and packing for the new academic year. The following tips can help you show your purple pride by going green.

Reach for the ENERGY STAR®

Look for ENERGY STAR® certified electronics. ENERGY STAR is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency program that identifies and promotes energy efficient products, homes, and buildings. ENERGY STAR products are independently certified to save energy without sacrificing features or functionality. You can find the ENERGY STAR mark on certified products ranging from light bulbs to air conditioners.

Prep to Reduce Waste

Students can reduce the amount of waste generated on campus by coming equipped with reusable items such as water bottles and shopping bags. Skip the bottled water and fill up a reusable water bottle at the convenient bottle filling stations on campus. Bring a reusable mug to Norris University Center to get discounts on coffee. Generate less waste when snacking in campus residence halls by bringing a plate and utensils and passing on the disposable serving ware. Pack a reusable bag to shop more sustainably on and off campus.  

Bring Only What You Need

Students can conserve resources and cut clutter by purchasing and packing only what they need. New students may find that they need fewer items than they might have anticipated. Campus residential buildings come fully furnished, and students can coordinate with roommates to avoid doubling up on items such as mini fridges. And because many campus residences have common fridges, a mini fridge might not even be needed. Individual printers are also optional since printing resources are available on campus at little to no cost.

Go Car Free

It’s easy to get around Northwestern’s campuses and the surrounding communities without a car. The campuses are highly walkable, and bike racks and bike repair stations are available for cyclists. You don’t even need your own bike to get around on two wheels now that Divvy Bike Sharing is in both Evanston and Chicago. Students can get a discount on an annual Divvy membership, which includes unlimited 30-minute trips across a network of more than 580 Chicago-area Divvy stations. Students can also take campus shuttles to travel between the Evanston and Chicago campuses or use public transportation to explore the broader community. 

Learn More

For more on shopping and packing for a greener campus lifestyle, check out the Office of Sustainability’s Green Student Shopping List.