Residential Living has been working to increase our sustainability efforts. In recent years we have installed low-flow shower heads in all of our restrooms to save water, implemented a larger recycling program across all buildings, developed a sustainability representative position, and have initiated social media campaigns with tips for students. Keep reading to check out some of our current initiatives!
Recycling
With the help from the Alternative Energy Enterprise and the Green Campus Enterprise, the Residence Hall Recycling Initiative was able to increase the recycling program within the residence halls. Now, each residence hall room has a small recycling bin with two stickers on it. These stickers outline our general recycling guidelines, as well as including information about miscellaneous items and where they can be recycled. These can be taken to a central location for proper recycling. Our recycling program is ‘single-stream’, meaning you do not need to separate your recycling by product. It can all go in the same bin.
Winter Warm Up
Each October - May there is a clothing rack and shelf set up next to the Campus Cafe on the ground floor of Wads. Gently used clothing for cold weather is donated and place there for students to pick up as needed. If you have gently used cold weather clothing you no longer want or need, consider placing it on this rack as a donation instead of throwing it away. You can keep items out of the landfill and help your fellow Huskies who may be in need!
Sustainability Stewards
In collaboration with numerous departments across Michigan Tech, Residential Living is expanding the roles and responsibilities of the Sustainability Chair position. Our Sustainability Stewards will attend a monthly meeting on various sustainability topics and then asked to report back to their house communities. These topics include recycling, energy use, research and design opportunities, sustainable living, and composting. Sustainability Stewards will still have the opportunity to promote sustainability initiatives, like conserving water, conserving power, and reducing waste. Stewards should work with their RA to coordinate these.