Here are a few selections of the innovative approaches to sustainability taking place on other college campuses. Each of these examples was chosen because it's something that UCSC could potentially implement in some way, or it's similar to something already being implemented on our campus. If you see something here that you want to make a reality at UCSC, contact the Sustainability Office and we will help you direct your ideas toward fruition!
UC Merced posts videos for several sustainability focus areas
Check out the UC Merced sustainability website for great short videos that summarize the objectives and programs for green building, water, waste & recycling, student engagement. Objectives and initiatives are also posted for 8 other sustainability topics.
U Oregon Students Start Campus Shoe Recycling Program
A group of students from the Lundquist College of Business’ Center for Sustainable Business Practices and the Warsaw Sports Marketing Center have launched a shoe recycling drive program that debuted during the Olympic Trials taking place on campus. "A Step in the Right Direction" sorts selected shoes based on their condition; intact shoes are donated to those in need while worn-out shoes are sent to the Nike Reuse-a-Shoe program where they are used in sports equipment, playground floors and other materials. After the trials, collection boxes will remain on campus indefinitely.
UCB's Sustainability Tour and Sustainability Map
At UC Berkeley, students, staff, faculty, and visitors can explore the campus with the help of a self- guided one-hour tour of campus sustainability features and a detailed campus sustainability map. The Office of Sustainability at UCB has made the walking tour available for self-service, but also offers guided tours on request. Read the full article on page 3 of their newsletter.
Auburn U Uses Solar Power to Charge Electric Vehicles
Facilities Management, in partnership with the Office of Sustainability, has funded a pilot project for the installation of 24 solar panels atop the stadium parking deck. The solar system is designed to offset the energy used for 10 electric charging stations that have been installed on the lower level of the parking deck. The system is also expected to offset the energy to power lighting when the charging stations are not in use.
U of Oregon Student Visits UCSC Campus, Comments on Water Bottle Habits
A student from the University of Oregon recently visited the UCSC campus. "At the University of Oregon and all around Eugene, I always fill up my reusable water bottle without even thinking, both because of the many accessible spigots to fill it and because I rarely notice plastic water bottles sold. I realized this natural behavior after coming back to California, where I found myself buying plastic water bottles from the lack of accessibility and ready availability of all things fast, convenient, cheap, and plastic," said Taylor Woolsey, a third year International Studies student there. Fortunately, she had no trouble finding places on the UCSC campus to fill up her bottle! Having access to spigots and not having access to single use plastic water bottles really can make a difference in the choices people make. Let's keep up the great work, UCSC!
To find out more about UCSC efforts to get rid of plastic water bottles on campus and make it easier for everyone to fill up their reusable bottles, please check out Take Back the Tap UCSC!
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