Sustainable Living on Campus

Clothing: Be prepared for the Buffalo weather!

• Comfortable clothes
• Seasonally appropriate items (warm coat, winter hat, waterproof gloves and warm, waterproof footwear).

Bedding:

• Twin sheets — extra-long (organic cotton or bamboo are excellent choices)
• Towels, hand towel, washcloths
• Blankets
• Pillows

Kitchen:

• Brita Pitchers are a great way to stay hydrated and save money.
• Insulated travel mug- Coffee lover? Bring your own mug and refill on campus at a discounted rate.
• Re-usable water bottle (BPA-free, or stainless steel are great options.)
• Bento-style container for leftovers and take-away
• Dish set & flatware (to reduce waste)
• Portable utensil set
• Reusable plate and bowl covers (to reduce consumption of plastic wrap, aluminum foils, etc.)

School Supplies:

• Buy recycled (>50% post-consumer waste) and non-toxic products when available!
• Pencils/pens/highlighters
• Notebooks & writing paper (check home for scrap paper/unused notebooks)

Living:

• Re-usable bag (for shopping, to avoid plastic bags)
• Laundry bag
• Laundry detergent sheets (easy to transport, store and better for the environment!)
• Toiletry bag (instead of a plastic shower caddy)
• Bike (to get around sustainably), plus a bike lock and helmet (to get around safely).
• Desk lamp (with LED or compact fluorescent light bulb)
• Surge protector extension cord with USB outlets and a circuit breaker (switch to power down all appliances at once)
• Foldable storage crates (InstaCrates are a great option, and are made with recycled plastic!)
• Tower fan (tend to be more stable and durable)

Do's

Clothing:

• UB also operates Hired, a professional clothing boutique featuring lightly used items appropriate for job fairs, interviews and presentations. All UB students have the ability to visit once per semester to obtain items.
• Choose thrifted: Locally, Savers and Goodwill are great spots to shop on a budget!

Bedding:

• Purchase an oversize, zip-able pillow cover, and stuff it with extra blankets rather than purchasing decorative throw pillows. You’ll save space and avoid waste!

Kitchen:

• Consider stocking your room with your favorite drink powders/zero sugar liquid water enhancer instead of wasting space on cases of drinks!
• Keep your portable utensil set in your backpack for use on campus, so you don’t need disposables.
• Making your own coffee with a Keurig? Buy a reusable K- cup and save money by only buying coffee grounds while reducing your waste!

School Supplies:

• Reusable/electronic notebooks, like Rocketbook, are a great way to take notes and keep them organized. Avoid bringing tons of school supplies, binders, etc. Most of your notes will likely be taken on your laptop.

Living:

• Energy Star rated appliances save energy, and will also give off less heat keeping your room comfortable. Look for the Energy Star- logo on TVs, DVD players, computers, microwaves, etc.
• UB is a big campus! If you are able to bring a bike or skateboard you’ll cut down on your walk to class, and can get some extra ZZZs! And if you don’t own a bike, purchase a membership to Reddy Bikeshare!

Don'ts

• Furniture (A simple storage ottoman is a great compromise and pulls double duty offering seating and storage.)
• Aerosol air fresheners (Scent is highly personal. Best to avoid making enemies with your roommates! Plus, many contain toxic chemicals; yuck!)
• Cases of single-use water bottles/drinks (disposables)
• TV (already available in residence halls)
• Single-use items
• Printer (all students have access to printers)

• Reuse or recycle cardboard from moving into your dorm room.
• Recycle paper, plastic, cans, batteries and cardboard on campus. UB’s All-In-One recycling program makes recycling easy-just be sure to keep trash andcompostable material out of recycling!
• Print double sided and avoid printing when possible
• Buy secondhand and donate your unwanted goods right on campus.  Red donation centers are located near Ellicott Dorms
• Rent your textbooks instead of buying new

• Limit shower time to five minutes.
• Wash only full loads of laundry and use cold water to minimize energy and water use.
• Don’t leave the water running while you wash the dishes or brush your teeth
• If you notice a water leak or dripping tap in your room or anywhere on your floor, report it immediately by notifying the front desk in your building (24/7)

• Turn off the lights and electronics when you’re not in your room.
• Enable your computer’s power saving settings. When possible, shut down instead of logging off
• Turn down the heat when you’re not in your room and keep the windows closed when the heat is on.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator
• Keep windows and doors closed in buildings with heating or cooling systems running

• Go car free! Bike, walk or opt for public transport.  UB Stampede and campus shuttles are free for students and connect the three UB campuses
• Choose meat free meals several times per week.
• Create a compost pile if you are living off campus
• Love your leftovers!
• Take note of what you have before making a grocery run– remember 40% of the food we grow on US soil ends up in the landfill.
• Shop local markets and small businesses.  Some off campus local vendors accept UB Campus Cash!

UBReUSE is our student-run waste diversion program aimed at collecting gently used, discarded items during Spring move-out. After items are collected, they are sorted, cleaned, and stored over the summer in anticipation of the Fall ReUSE sale. This sale aims to reduce the financial burden on incoming students by providing affordable options for purchasing necessary items, while also promoting sustainability by discouraging excessive consumerism. Programming is supported by UB Sustainability and relies on our office’s network of student assistants and volunteers to make it successful; consider signing up to be a volunteer today! 

The Student Sustainability Impact Team – otherwise known as SSIT – is a relatively new program offered by UB Sustainability that supports our campus goals of reaching climate neutrality by 2030 that assembles “green ambassadors” from around campus to perform sustainable tasks such as waste & energy audits, green event kit provision, and leftover food pick-ups, among other services. This opportunity is perfect for those that have a busy schedule, but can dedicate a few hours a week to high impact, visible sustainable projects on campus. The Student Sustainability Impact Team fits well into the gig economy concept where tasks will be sent out to SSIT members, and they can pick up shifts that work for them. Learn more about SSIT and consider applying today! 

Hired is our university-wide FREE professional clothing boutique that provides UB students and recent graduates with gently used apparel, accessories, and personal care items that will help them achieve their career development goals. Hired is also be a space for students of all genders across the spectrum, including students who may be in transition, to obtain clothing in a safe and welcoming setting. Hired's inventory is supplied through generous donations by community members, and has a wide array of high-quality, contemporary items. Students may try on as many items as they wish and take home one complete outfit per semester. If you’re looking to up your professional attire game, make an appointment today!