Take Action

The University of Calgary aims to be a zero-waste community. Diverting waste from landfills and properly disposing of products helps the university to keep our campus clean and reduce our waste footprint.  Take action to reduce waste by:

• Bringing a reusable mug, bottle and cutlery to campus instead of using disposable, single-use items
• Cleaning out single-use food containers so as not to contaminate recycling
• Printing double sided documents where possible
• Recycling or depositing waste in the appropriate stream or collection site

The University of Calgary strives to demonstrate exemplary stewardship of water quality and use. Take action to conserve water by:

• Reporting leaks on campus
• Only running dishwashers and washing machines when they are full and using the appropriate cycle
• Using reusable water bottles and filling them with tap or fountain water
• Turning off the tap while brushing teeth or scrubbing dishes

The University of Calgary aims to be a best-practice leader in environmentally and socially responsible supply chain management. Take action to practice responsible consumption by:

• Looking for opportunities to reuse, upcycle or buy second-hand items rather than buying a new product
• Purchasing products that have received third-party verification from reputable organizations
• Referring to purchasing guidelines and resources when making your buying decisions
• Researching brands and products to ensure you are buying a quality item that is ethically sourced

The University of Calgary strives to reduce impacts on the environment and our surrounding communities through promoting and practicing sustainable transportations options. Take action to commute sustainably by:

• Using active modes of transportation like walking,  biking, rollerblading or scootering
• Taking public transportation
• Carpooling with a colleague, friend or family member
• Using Zoom or Microsoft Teams to avoid commuting to meetings

The University of Calgary strives to attain net carbon neutrality. Take action to address climate change by:

• Limiting the amount of meat or animal by-products you consume
• Reducing air travel
• Combining errands and route planning to minimize your driving time per week
• Biking to work or organizing ride-shares