Staying Green @ UIC
Sustainability has quickly become a main focal point in modern news and media. Today's generation has taken a huge step towards living in a greener world. Did you know tomorrow (Apr. 22) is Earth Day? The official theme for 2023 is Invest In Our Planet.
Mykhailo Bogadnov, Sustainability Marketing Associate at UIC Sustainability, works to communicate the importance of climate change awareness on UIC’s campus. Here are a few tips and tricks on how students can get involved and stay green.
What can students do to stay green on campus?
Although almost all classes involve some kind of paper use, there are steps that you can take to reduce the amount of paper you use during day-to-day activities. Learn more about reducing waste.
If you cannot reduce, the next best thing is to reuse. Students can shop at the Great Stuff Exchange by scheduling an appointment. All supplies are collected from departments. Items may include binders, ink and toner cartridges, writing instruments, envelopes, and more.
Conveniently stationed at all UIC buildings, you can find recycling bins for Paper, Bottles and Cans. Outdoor BigBelly solar recycling containers are placed around campus for recycling needs. The solar bins utilize Wi-Fi to notify UIC Grounds Workers when it is time to empty the bins. This reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions produced by trucks, resulting in a greener campus. Get involved in recycling on campus.
Mykhailo also advises students to consider the Sustainability Internship Program, which provides a framework for students to apply classroom knowledge to engaging, real life projects. The program is open to UIC students in all fields.
What is UIC doing to become a more sustainable campus?
Some of your favorite buildings on campus are LEED Gold Certified. This means that buildings adhere to healthy, efficient, and carbon and cost saving green guidelines. The Engineering Innovation Building (EIB), Academic and Residential Complex (ARC), and Douglas Hall are a few buildings that qualify for the certification. Learn more about green buildings at UIC.
The UIC campus is a pollinator habitat conservator. Little Prairie on the Lawn is home to over 20 native plants and wildlife. The plant research laboratory is also home to many native plant species and its very own beehive. As the seasons change, you can enjoy many pollinator habitats around campus.
UIC is a silver status BFU (Bicycle Friendly University). Fix-It stations are located around campus for students to refill tires. Student Center East and West also offer repair kits, available to students with a valid i-card. Showers are located inside all Rec Centers and the Engineering Innovation Building (945 W Taylor St.), for bikers to freshen up. No bike? No problem! UIC students can receive a discounted annual Divvy membership to rent bikes. Divvy stations located all around campus including one right outside the ARC.
---------------
Sustainability initiatives are working to make the UIC campus a better place to live, learn, and relax. Stay informed by connecting with resources like the Greenlights Newsletter. Celebrate Earth Day by practicing sustainability this weekend and take advantage of green initiatives the next time you are on campus!