You make an impact on campus
Waste prevention is essential in all aspects of life. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that each person generates 4.9 pounds of waste every day. Preventing waste is a great way to help achieve ASU's Zero Waste goals.
It is important to note that you do not have to become zero waste overnight. Taking small steps helps to build lasting behaviors that will generate a positive impact. Together we can make a difference.
How to be a sustainable Sun Devil
Most of the decisions you make in a day can impact the planet. The EPA found the average amount of waste a person generates has increased by 0.4 pounds in just one year. There are many ways to create small and large scale changes, and one of the best places to start is at home.
Follow the steps below to achieve a zero-waste residence:
Zero waste off campus checklist
Reducing waste at work
According to the EPA, an estimated 45% of all municipal solid waste is generated at work. Since one-third of your life is spent in the office, there are many impactful ways you can reduce waste at work. Developing policies and programs to reduce, reuse and recycle items can make a positive impact on ASU’s sustainability goals.
Follow the steps below to achieve a zero waste office space:
Zero waste living at ASU
The average college student generates around 640 pounds of waste a year — Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Luckily, zero waste strategies can be implemented anywhere waste is generated. You have the ability to make meaningful changes to support ASU’s sustainability goals.
Follow the steps below and help your residence hall reduce waste:
Zero waste on campus checklist
Help ASU achieve its Zero Waste goal in the following ways:
- Build sustainability skills through online and in-person professional development opportunities.
- Consider how much you throw away on campus each day.
- Follow ASU Zero Waste on Facebook and Instagram.
- Learn what is recyclable. If you need clarification, ask us.
- Reduce and reuse as much as possible.
Eco Reps Program
Eco Reps is ASU’s peer-to-peer sustainability engagement initiative, empowering students living in campus residential communities to lead sustainability efforts and demonstrate sustainable lifestyle habits. USP established the program in fall 2022 with grant funding from Coca-Cola.
Over the past four years, the program has engaged thousands of students in adopting eco-friendly practices, helping the university meet its sustainability goals. Collaborating with partners like ASU Zero Waste and Sun Devil Hospitality, Eco Reps are vital in building a campus sustainability culture. Their impact was recognized through ASU’s AASHE STARS ranking, earning points in Campus Engagement under the Student Educators Program.
Watch the Eco Reps mini-documentary and follow USP on Instagram and LinkedIn to learn more about the award-winning program.