Sustainability 2.0

How You Can Help Promote Sustainability

Learn how you can help conserve energy and resources at home and at work:

Dining:

  • Ask for reusable dinnerware, including silverware, cups, and plates instead of disposable dinnerware.
  • Use your own beverage containers and utensils whenever possible. You receive a discount on beverages when you bring your own cup or mug.
  • Take only what you need, including food, condiment packets, paper napkins, straws, plastic drink tops, and other disposable items.
  • Take only silverware that you will use. Whether you have used a utensil or not, it must be washed — using energy, water, and cleaning agents.
  • Save your leftovers.

Paper:

  • Only copy materials that you really need.
  • Make double-sided copies whenever possible and request double-sided printing at copy centers.
  • Print single-spaced drafts of documents and double-spaced copies for final versions only.
  • Use the "Print Preview" function to view documents before printing.
  • If you print it, pick it up from the printer.
  • Reuse paper that has been printed on 1 side for scratch or note paper.
  • Edit documents on screen rather than printing copies.
  • Save files and e-mail messages electronically. Don't print hard copies of everything.
  • Post information on the Web or use e-mail instead of printing fliers and memos.
  • View your W-2 online.
  • Opt out of unsolicited phone book deliveries.
  • Stop delivery of paper ledgers and instead use FinancialLink.

Back to top

Fuel:

  • Use alternative transportation, including UCSD shuttles, public transportation, carpools or vanpools, bicycling, and walking.
  • Avoid driving in circles to find the closest parking spot.
  • Keep your tires properly inflated for better gas mileage.
  • Avoid sudden starts and stops.
  • Turn off your vehicle instead of idling.
  • Drive a more fuel-efficient vehicle, including hybrid and electric vehicles.

Back to top

Electricity:

  • Office equipment:

    • Purchase energy-efficient equipment.
    • Turn off office equipment that is not being used, such as printers and copiers (unless such machines are Energy Star certified units that reduce energy consumption during periods of inactivity).
    • Turn off computers in the evening. During the day, use your computer’s stand-by and hibernate modes instead of screen savers.
    • Use laptop computers if possible. They consume 90% less energy than standard desktop computers.
    • If possible, use ink-jet printers. They consume 90% less energy than laser printers.
    • Select the right-sized copier. A mid-volume copier in a low-volume office can use up to 70% more energy per page than a low-volume machine.
    • Take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible.
    • Avoid leaving an "away" message up all day on your instant messaging program.
    • Be patient in the event of lighting, ventilation, and possibly elevator curtailments (where multiple elevators exist) as facilities staff attempt to manage UCSD's electric load.
    • Be prepared for a possible blackout during a stage 3 alert by shutting down machines that could incur damage, including loss of data, if power should suddenly be lost.

Back to top

  • Lighting:

    • Turn off the lights when no one is using the room.
    • Use natural light instead of electrical lighting whenever possible.
    • Use CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) instead of incandescent light bulbs.
    • Install lighting motion sensors in common areas.
    • Request a lighting evaluation from the Facilities Management Customer Relations Service Referral Desk, (858) 534-2930.

  • Indoor climate:

    • Set thermostats to 78 degrees on hot days and 68 degrees on cold days.
    • Dress comfortably for the weather, and adjust your layers before adjusting the thermostat.
    • Keep rooms cool by closing shades, especially in empty conference rooms, offices, and common areas.
    • Turn off electric space heaters. (If you are uncomfortably cool, put on a sweater.)

  • Labs:

    • Keep fume hood sashes closed whenever possible. This reduces the load considerably for building exhaust fans and supply fans and reduces thermal energy use from the Central Utilities Plant.
    • Turn off air valves.
    • Fill autoclaves before use.
    • Remove antiquated equipment.
    • Turn off all lights and equipment when leaving for the day.

  • Back to top

  • Home:

    • Avoid opening refrigerators and freezers more often than necessary.
    • Postpone using washers, dryers, and dishwashers until after 7 p.m. (or later) during an alert.
    • Avoid using high-wattage appliances, machines, and illumination.
    • Dress in layers to avoid using fans or portable heaters.
    • Purchase Energy Star appliances such as refrigerators, washers, and dryers.

  • Unplug phantom loads:

    Unplug appliances with phantom loads, plug them into a surge protector, and switch it off when appliances are not in use. A phantom load is wasted energy that plugged-in appliances use when they're turned off. For example:

    • TVs
    • DVD and VHS players
    • Computers and printers
    • Stereos and CD players
    • Video game systems
    • iPod and cell phone chargers

  • Spread the word:

    Communicate your ideas for reducing electric load anywhere on campus. Contact Assistant Vice Chancellor Gary Matthews or John Dilliott, campus energy manager, (858) 822-2807.

Back to top

Water:

  • Turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth, shaving, and soaping your hands.
  • Run full loads of laundry and dishes.
  • Take shorter, cooler showers.
  • Install ultra-low flow shower heads and faucets.
  • Install low flush toilets, or put a brick in your toilet tank. (The brick takes up space in the tank, so you use less water.
  • Run sprinklers during early morning or late afternoon.
  • Plant native species that are adapted to our semi-arid climate, and avoid planting turf grass.

Back to top

Reuse and recycle:

Find out ways to preserve precious resources by reusing everyday items, buying earth-friendly products, and learning about recycling.

Use wisely and reuse whenever possible:

  • Use canvas shopping bags instead of paper or plastic.
  • Use old newspaper to wrap gifts.
  • Use rechargeable batteries.
  • Use only what you need of cleaning products; half the recommended amount is usually sufficient.
  • Refill soap and detergent bottles from bulk containers.
  • Borrow books from the library instead of buying them.
  • Donate old items to charity instead of throwing them out.
  • Flatten and save boxes for future use.
  • Re-address envelopes for interdepartmental mail.

Buy with the planet in mind:

  • Buy recycled and organic products.
  • Buy products from ecologically responsible companies.
  • Buy environmentally friendly cleaning products.

Recycle — it's good for everyone:

Back to top

Get Connected: