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Ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day sustainably

Anonymous — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 20:28:40 +0000

Ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day sustainably Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 02/12/2024 - 13:28

Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to do something nice for anyone in your life you appreciate! As you celebrate, remember to keep sustainability in mind.

Why leave the planet out?

Valentine’s Day is heavily commercialized, with stores carrying a wide array of chocolates, cards, flowers and stuffed animals. While many people enjoy exchanging gifts, the environmental impacts are lofty. According to a video by Waste 360, on Valentine’s Day, U.S. citizens buy:

36 million heart-shaped boxes.
180 million cards.
198 million roses.
881 thousand bottles of sparkling wine.
58 million pounds of chocolate.

The environmental impact adds up to more carbon emissions than would be created from driving around the world 3,993 times. That’s not a reason to swear off the holiday altogether. It’s just a big incentive to celebrate more sustainably. Here are ideas for zero-waste gifts this Valentine’s Day.

Make your own card

Sure, it’s easy to buy a card at the grocery store. But while those pre-made slogans and heartfelt messages look nice, they lack originality and thoughtfulness. You don’t have to be artistic to make your own card; colored pencils and paper are enough. And if you’re still doubting your abilities, websites like Canva have online card creators you can use to personalize and print out cards in five minutes or less. Making a card cuts down on the paper waste produced by card companies and hopefully will create less demand for premade cards in the future.

Bake your own desserts

Often, a hand-made dessert will be more appreciated than a box of chocolates from the store. There are a ton of cookie recipes online that use five ingredients or less. Plus, baking can be therapeutic in and of itself, not to mention a bonding experience if done with others.

Make your own candle

Everyone likes getting candles. You can take a zero-waste spin on this classic gift by making someone an entirely hand-made candle. The three primary materials you need are soy wax, a wick and a vessel for the candle. Soy wax is a great, 100% natural and biodegradable alternative to other candle wax, such as paraffin, which has a more considerable environmental impact. On top of that, you can reuse any container you want in the process. You can use mason jars, metal tins, fun glasses from a thrift store and even halved lemon peels.

Make your own blanket

It’s surprisingly simple to finger-knit a blanket. You can learn to make the blanket in less than two hours using your own two hands and approximately five to seven skeins of chunky yarn. You can pick whatever color scheme you want for a cozy and cute homemade gift.

Buy sustainable options

If you don’t want to give homemade gifts, you can still choose a better present for the environment. Purchase fair trade chocolate. Look for the fair trade symbol on the packaging. Fair trade means that workers are paid fairly, have safer working conditions and have more rights.

Give ethically sourced jewelry. Unethical gemstone mining can cause soil erosion and deforestation. By going the extra mile to uncover the history of the products you buy, you can stand up against these harmful practices.

Skip the commercial flowers

Flowers are one of the most visible and well-known Valentine's Day gifts. In the U.S., 80% of cut flowers are imported from foreign countries. The International Council on Clean Transportation estimates that flights importing flowers “burn approximately 114 million liters of fuel, emitting approximately 360,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.” Once the flowers make it to America, they are transported to stores using refrigerated trucks, which use 25% more fuel than non-refrigerated trucks. These trucks also use diesel fuel, which produces more emissions than gasoline-fueled trucks.

Instead, buy local. Several local Boulder florists grow their flowers or are part of a local collective that allows them to source flowers from different florists or growers within the state.

Zero-waste date ideas

The best way to celebrate Valentine’s Day sustainably is to plan for unique experiences. There are many options for dates that are fun while still being environmentally friendly.

Spend time in nature. Go on a hike or a short walk at sunset to appreciate nature together. You can also have a fun photoshoot outdoors in pretty scenery, with the bonus of having a way to remember the day forever.
Go ice skating. It’s a fun winter staple activity and an excuse to hold hands.
Candlelit dinner at home. You will have more privacy and more options than in a restaurant when you do it yourself.
Movie night. Stay in and watch a romantic movie for a relaxing and cozy holiday.

Choose to celebrate sustainability

Holidays don’t have to mean going over your budget or harming the environment. You can find creative ways to recognize the special people in your life.

If you want to learn more about how to live sustainably, check out the Environmental Center website.

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How to cultivate an eco-conscious mentality in a material world

Anonymous — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 17:17:00 +0000

How to cultivate an eco-conscious mentality in a material world Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 12/15/2023 - 10:17

Kayla Vasarhelyi Karlie Conzachi and Kate Huun

Living an eco-conscious lifestyle rather than one of consumerism is essential to lower your carbon footprint and demonstrate dedication to sustainability. You can consider how your actions impact the environment and your overall well-being and determine if you want to make changes.

Break the convenience habit

Convenience products, like takeout food, single-packaged items and plastic grocery bags, can make life easier but often have a harsh environmental impact. You can take a moment to evaluate purchasing decisions and weigh the pros and cons of convenience compared to a more sustainable option.

While it might seem like more effort, sustainable options can save you money and avoid the need to dispose of waste. One example is using a reusable water bottle. When you carry a water bottle with you, you don’t need to pay for beverages like bottled water, and you can refill the reusable bottle for free. This simple act helps reduce waste and offers more convenience in the long run.

Find value outside of material possessions

With the constant barrage of marketing, it is easy to believe that buying the things you want can make you happier. It can feel good to buy new things. However, chasing the latest items to try and cultivate happiness can make you feel controlled by consumerism. It can actually lead to stress, anxiety and debt.

Instead of trying to purchase things to enhance happiness, consider what brings true feelings of joy, like relationships and working toward your goals. Also, saving money and investing in financial security can help you feel more freedom and worry less, ultimately leading to more happiness.

Understand planned obsolescence

Planned obsolescence produces products that will fail or become less desirable over time, leading consumers to discard their old products and buy something new. With mass production, companies can produce goods quickly and need to drive demand for their products. Planned obsolescence saves companies from spending money to make higher-quality products.

This is not a sustainable practice and has contributed to a throw-away society. For example, technology and car companies produce new products yearly with only slight changes, encouraging consumers to repurchase the latest products.

By resisting the urge to purchase a new product just to get the latest features, you can help reduce waste and save money. You can also invest in products from companies that make better quality products. Before throwing an item away and purchasing something new, find out if what you already have can be fixed or repurposed. Many clothing companies, such as Dr. Martens, Patagonia and REI, will repair their products for free. Find more companies that offer lifetime warranties and will repair their products here.

Avoid cradle-to-grave production

Cradle-to-grave is a cycle of production where companies extract resources to produce products without consideration for the end of the product’s life cycle. The cradle phase is the creation of materials using resources, while the product ending up in a landfill is the grave stage.

A cradle-to-cradle mentality offers a better way for production. With this method, companies make products intentionally to allow for recycling, upcycling or other sustainable disposal options. You can explore products with Cradle-to-Cradle certification to help drive demand for sustainably produced products.

Actions to help cultivate an eco-conscious mentality

You can be more sustainable in your daily life with minor changes.

Upcycle. Upcycling reuses existing products in a new way instead so they can stay out of the landfill. You can get creative by upcycling yourself or buying upcycled products.
Buy local. Reduce the use of resources and energy that goes into transporting and manufacturing items by purchasing locally. For example, buying food from the farmer’s market reduces packaging and transportation costs.
Buy less. Before you buy something, consider whether it is a need or a want. Limit your purchases to items you need to avoid overconsumption of goods. For example, if you already have five pairs of jeans, do you need to purchase new ones?
Buy used. If you need to make a purchase, consider buying the item used. You can buy used for most products, including clothing and household goods or a used car instead of a new one.
Recycle. Divert your waste from landfills by learning how to recycle correctly. It will help decrease your carbon footprint and help mitigate climate change.
Go electronic. Sign up for electronic bills and other notifications rather than printed and mailed communications. Not only does this help the environment, but it also makes it easier to sort through and dispose of your mail.
Avoid single-use items. Invest in reusable products, like water bottles, coffee mugs, food storage containers, metal straws and more. You can save money over time and avoid contributing to landfill waste.
Compost. Learning how to compost can drastically change how much we discard into landfills and help rejuvenate crops and nutrient-deprived lands.

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The impact of plastic on climate change

Anonymous — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 16:43:32 +0000

The impact of plastic on climate change Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 12/15/2023 - 09:43

Kayla Vasarhelyi

It takes more than 1,000 years for plastic to decompose. Every plastic bottle, straw and container ever thrown away is still intact and somewhere on earth. The plastic problem affects every part of the planet, from the top of Mount Everest to the bottom of the Marianas Trench.

What is single-use plastic?

Single-use plastics are types of plastic designed for one-time use with the expectation that the user will throw them away. These plastics prioritize convenience over durability and repeated use, making them a prime culprit behind our throw-away society.

Worldwide, more than 300 million tons of plastic is produced every year, and half of this is single-use plastics. Single-use plastic includes water and soda bottles, plastic grocery bags, product packaging, straws, coffee cups and single-use plastic baggies.

What is plastic made of?

Plastic is derived from fossil fuels, including natural gas and crude oil, and also contains chemicals that are known endocrine disruptors and threaten human health. Plastic does not decompose. Instead, it breaks up into smaller pieces called microplastics. These microplastics are practically everywhere on earth and pose a deadly problem for wildlife. If too much microplastic accumulates in an animal, it can cause punctured organs or intestinal blockages. Human exposure to plastics with these chemicals may cause hormonal imbalances, reproductive problems and even cancer.

How single-use plastic production contributes to climate change

Because single-use plastic is produced from fossil fuels, extracting and creating these plastics emits vast amounts of greenhouse gases.

It is estimated that just the extraction of these fossil fuels and their transportation to plastic factories emits 1.5 to 12.5 million metric tons of greenhouse gases.
Removing forested land for oil extraction and pipeline construction has also released more than 1.6 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This land clearing also limits the amount of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere.
The refinement of plastics emits an additional 184 to 213 million metric tons of greenhouse gases each year.
Landfills, where single-use plastics are sent, account for more than 15% of methane emissions. The disposal of more plastics in landfills leads to increases in landfill size and these emissions.
There is an enormous floating mass of plastic in the Pacific Ocean, twice the size of Texas, that continues to grow.
Plastic pollution affects the most vulnerable communities first. Developed countries, such as the United States, send plastic to developing countries for processing. Eventually, the amount of plastic can become so overwhelming that these communities run out of ways to dispose of it and become covered in plastic trash.

Easy ways to help reduce plastic use

The best way to reduce the impact of single-use plastics on climate change is to stop using this type of plastic. This task can seem quite tricky in a world full of plastic packaging. However, even small changes can have a significant impact. Here are some things to do to limit your single-use plastic waste.

Use a reusable water bottle.
Bring a reusable bag to the store.
Avoid overly packaged items at the grocery store, such as pre-cut fruits and vegetables.
Grocery shop at a bulk foods store.
Repurpose old bottles or containers.
Cook at home instead of ordering takeout, which often includes extra plastic packaging.
Get a travel cutlery set.
Use bar soaps and shampoos instead of liquids in plastic bottles.

Make a larger impact

Participate in a local cleanup day or pick up trash when walking, running or hiking.
Support legislation that reduces plastic use.
Buy products from companies committed to reducing plastic use.
Support organizations addressing plastic pollution.
Download the AWorld app to track your sustainable actions.

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Ways to reduce food waste

Anonymous — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 20:42:08 +0000

Ways to reduce food waste Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 12/14/2023 - 13:42

In the United States, 103 million tons of food are wasted annually, with the average person generating one pound of food waste daily. Food waste includes any edible food that is discarded instead of being consumed.

While often discussed in climate change conversations, reducing food waste also impacts other areas of life. By intentionally decreasing food waste, you can save money and consume better-quality foods. Here is information about food waste and how to reduce it.

Top wasted foods

Bread, milk and potatoes are the top foods typically thrown out each year. Keep this in mind when grocery shopping. Buy only what you need or can use before it goes bad. It can be helpful to also plan meals around the items you already have on hand rather than going to the store for more.

Expiration dates

One reason Americans waste so much food is due to misunderstanding expiration dates. The "best if used by" date refers to when a product will be at peak flavor or quality, while the "sell by" date tells the store how long they can display the product for sale. The "use by" date is the last date recommended to consume the product at peak quality. The "freeze by" date indicates when to freeze a product to maintain peak flavor or quality.

Composting

When you need to toss out food, consider composting it instead. The campus composting policy has recently changed due to changes with the composting service provider. Only food scraps and yard or plant trimmings are compostable on campus. Food scraps include bread, bones, cheese, eggshells, coffee grounds and produce. Yard and plant trimmings include leaves, twigs, flowers and grass.

Shop smarter

Before you grocery shop, take time to get organized. Make a weekly meal plan and only buy the foods you need to cover your planned meals and snacks. Create a shopping list to keep you on track at the store. This not only helps prevent food waste but can also help you save money. If you have leftover food, consider creative ways to incorporate those items into your daily meals and snacks or freeze leftovers to use later. Check out more meal planning tips.

Use foods in season

When you plan meals, consider items that are in season. There are many benefits to getting foods that are fresh and local. They taste better, have higher nutritional value and are more environmentally friendly. The Colorado Department of Agriculture has an easy-to-use guide that can help you pick local fruits and vegetables based on the season.

Find creative ways to save your food

Even with the best meal and food shopping plans, you can sometimes end up with more food than you can use. Here are a few tips to use the food you have on hand instead of letting it go bad.

Freeze fruits and vegetables to use later.
You can extend the life of herbs or save them for later by storing them whole in a freezer bag or chopping them and storing them in oil in an ice cube tray. You can also dry fresh herbs by hanging them in a dry location and then, once dry, crushing and storing them in glass jars.
When you notice fruits or vegetables going bad in a bunch, separate the good ones to keep and discard the spoiled ones. This will help the good ones stay that way longer.
Create an “eat first section” in your fridge for the items with the shortest shelf life so you can remember to use those first.
Use leftover vegetables to make vegetable stock, which you can store in glass jars in the fridge or freeze to use later. This is also a great way to use any scraps you may have from preparing other dishes. Simply keep your scraps in a freezer-safe bag and pull them out once you’ve accumulated enough for a good pot of stock.

With a little effort, you can save money by using and saving your food instead of throwing it out.

Reduce food waste to practice sustainability

By reducing food waste, we can all do our part in creating a sustainable future. Start by double-checking expiration dates before throwing food away and consider composting instead of tossing items in the trash. With small changes to our daily routines, we can make a big impact on reducing food waste. Don't forget to track your sustainable actions in the AWorld app! It makes it easy to see your positive impact on the environment. Download the app and join the CU team today!

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CU Boulder's zero waste program crushing cardboard waste: 40,000 pounds of cardboard diverted from landfill

Anonymous — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 22:13:49 +0000

CU Boulder's zero waste program crushing cardboard waste: 40,000 pounds of cardboard diverted from landfill Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 12/12/2023 - 15:13

The week before classes start is always a busy and exciting time for campus, over 7000 students move into the residence hall during this time. This year the Zero Waste program provided recycling services for over a dozen welcome events, recycled 20 tons of cardboard and film plastic, and sponsored an on-campus reuse sale.

Every year when students move in on campus over a dozen staff and volunteers from the Environmental Center work to make sure as much of their incidental waste, including cardboard boxes and plastic grocery bags, is recycled. Meanwhile, staff from Facilities Management run extra shifts to keep up with overflowing cardboard recycling dumpsters and recycling carts. During move in week facilities crews will sometimes dump cardboard dumpsters at some residence halls as many as 7 times during a 12 hour day. This year volunteers and staff worked through heat advisories, flood watches, and broken trucks to divert 40,000 pounds of cardboard from the landfill in five days. This is over twice as much as we recycled in 2019.

The mountains of cardboard boxes are taken to the Boulder County Recycling Center where they are bailed and sent to paper mills to be recycled back into new boxes. CU earns recycling rebates when waste is cleanly sorted by staff and volunteers. These efforts help to offset the costs of running the Zero Waste program at CU Boulder. When disposing of waste, use the proper bin. If you are unsure, check out the Eco-Cycle A-Z guide. “Recycling and composting properly is the easiest way for Buffs to get involved in climate action on campus. When the 35,000 members of the campus community do their part every day, it makes a big difference.” Angie Gilbert, E-Center Recycling Program Manager.

Prioritizing reuse and waste reduction holds greater potential for advancing towards a circular economy and achieving zero waste goals than recycling alone. This year the Environmental Center partnered with Resource Central to pilot a sale of reused home good items from last semester’s move out donation drive. CU students were able to pick up gently used storage units, mirrors, chairs and other furniture items for an average price of $4, without even having to leave campus. Students interested in furnishing their own living spaces sustainability are encouraged to check out a local thrift store or visit Resource Central.

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Empowering college students: the vital role of energy conservation in shaping a sustainable future

Anonymous — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 22:06:38 +0000

Empowering college students: the vital role of energy conservation in shaping a sustainable future Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 12/12/2023 - 15:06

Boulder, a city known for its natural wonders and commitment to sustainability, presents an incredible opportunity for college students to actively participate in building a greener future. As we navigate our academic journeys, we can also shape ourselves into environmentally conscious community leaders who inspire positive change. Understanding and embracing the vital role of energy conservation while making mindful choices and adopting sustainable practices is a meaningful first step.

In the United States, electricity generation accounts for 25% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and with increasing EV and economic growth, the energy demand is expected to increase in coming years. Energy conservation makes a tangible impact on reducing GHG emissions and combating climate change, and empowers us to lead by example and contribute to a more sustainable world. By taking action and embracing energy-saving habits, we can inspire others and foster a culture of sustainability on our campuses and in our communities.

Although widely overlooked, it's important to remember that energy is a privilege. Because we have grown accustomed to its constant availability, its absence rarely crosses our minds. But what if this privilege were to suddenly disappear? Would we be able to navigate the world without the comforts energy affords us?

In a world where energy is a given, its conservation might seem redundant. However its complete integration into modern day society makes its conservation essential. Energy conservation serves as a safeguard, ensuring that we don't take this crucial resource for granted. It's a proactive measure that prepares us for the unexpected and fosters a sense of responsibility for the sustainability of our energy systems. Caring about energy conservation demonstrates a commitment to responsible living and an awareness of the wider impact of our actions as well as a dedication of leaving behind a habitable planet for future generations. Understanding the fragility of our energy systems is also incredibly important and can empower us to be resilient in the face of disruptions, ensuring our daily lives aren't severely affected when energy resources become strained.

The impact of energy conservation reaches far beyond individual actions. Using the example of vampire loads: those subtle energy drains from devices on standby, exemplifies this interconnectedness. A single device left plugged in might not seem significant, but when multiplied across countless households, its collective impact becomes substantial as each home's energy usage contributes to the overall strength of the system. The compound effect of these seemingly insignificant vampire loads can strain the energy grid and deplete resources faster than anticipated. Highlighting the importance of being energy conscious.

So, how can we, as college students, reduce our energy use and become catalysts for change?

Here are a few simple yet impactful ways to get started:

Optimize lighting: Make the switch to energy-efficient LED light bulbs in your dorm room or apartment. Remember to turn off lights when leaving a room and use natural light whenever possible.
Conserve heating and cooling: Adjust your thermostat to save energy by setting it a few degrees lower in winter and higher in summer. The optimal thermostat range is 78°F in the summer and 68°F in the winter. Dress appropriately for the weather and use fans or open windows for natural ventilation.
Minimize vampire or phantom loads: Unplug electronics when not in use or use power strips with switches to easily cut off power to multiple devices. Many electronics and appliances will continue to “suck” power when plugged in and not in use.
Be water-wise: Conserve hot water by taking shorter showers. Wash your laundry in cold water and wait until you have a full load before running the washing machine.
Choose energy-efficient appliances: When buying or upgrading appliances, look for Energy Star-certified models, which are designed to be more energy-efficient.
Practice mindful computing: Adjust your computer's power settings to conserve energy and use sleep mode or shut down when not in use.
Avoid printing unnecessary documents and share digital files instead.
Weatherize your home! By making quick changes to your living space you can prevent cool or warm air from escaping and in turn lower your energy consumption. Some easy tricks include adding thick curtains over windows as well as using caulk to seal cracks around windows and doors to prevent drafts.
Buy Energy Efficient Appliances: Check for the Energy Star logo (white star on blue background) and energy efficiency rating of appliances before buying any appliances as these products consume less energy to operate and meet strict efficiency standards.
Engage in energy-saving competitions: Join or organize energy-saving challenges and competitions on campus to encourage friendly competition and foster a sense of community around sustainability. CU will be hosting an energy challenge on the A World app starting Oct 1- Dec 1st, be sure to join to challenge friends and reap rewards!
Learn more about how to save energy where you live with an EcoVisit

Remember, these are just a few examples of how we can make a difference through energy conservation. By implementing these practices and encouraging others to do the same, we can collectively reduce our carbon footprint, protect the environment, and contribute towards a sustainable vision for the world.

As students, we have the power to shape the future we want to inherit. Let's harness our enthusiasm, creativity, and knowledge to create a vibrant, sustainable future while being mindful of the privilege energy provides.

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Powering change: participate in the AWorld Challenge for a greener tomorrow

Anonymous — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 21:57:09 +0000

Powering change: participate in the AWorld Challenge for a greener tomorrow Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 12/12/2023 - 14:57

In a world where the significance of energy conservation echoes louder than ever, the call to action has never been more important. Luckily, CU Boulder is offering two guiding beacons of change for students and staff alike. CU is hosting a two-month long A world challenge built around energy conservation. With the AWorld app, embracing daily sustainability practices is easy. Building on the foundation laid by our previous discussion on energy conservation's significance, this article delves into how you can take your commitment to a greener world to the next level by participating in these transformative initiatives.

AWorld Challenge: Power Down for the Planet

The journey towards a more sustainable planet begins with simple yet impactful actions. The AWorld Challenge, "Power Down for the Planet: Sustainable Buffs Save Energy," offers you the opportunity to contribute directly to the cause. From Oct. 1 to Dec. 1, embrace the challenge of reducing your energy consumption and become a catalyst for positive change.

Participation is easy: download the AWorld app and track the ways you cut back on your energy consumption. As you join the challenge, you'll not only contribute to a more eco-friendly future but also earn rewards along the way.

For those who excel in their commitment, there's more in store:

The first 500 participants will receive a free stasher bag as a token of appreciation for joining the cause
The top 20 performers will have the choice between a cozy beanie hat or a stylish pop socket
The top 10 performers will take home an additional treat, a gift card to Meow Wolf in Denver

The AWorld Challenge embodies the collective power of individuals and organizations to drive sustainable change. By participating in the challenge you not only make an immediate impact but also set the stage for a future where energy conservation and responsible practices are the norm. Let's come together, embrace these opportunities, and champion a greener, more resilient world for generations to come.

Take action! Join University of Colorado team on AWorld app today!

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The power of individual actions: rethinking your carbon footprint

Anonymous — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 21:42:47 +0000

The power of individual actions: rethinking your carbon footprint Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 12/12/2023 - 14:42

The term 'carbon footprint' echoes in our ears as a familiar buzzword, but grappling with how to minimize it can be a daunting task. Seeking support from your community can transform this task into a more accessible and rewarding endeavor.

Your Impact & Carbon Footprint

At its core, a carbon footprint is the sum total of greenhouse gases produced by our daily actions. Whether it's how we commute, what we eat, what we purchase, or how we dispose of our waste, each decision leaves an imprint on the planet. Think of it as a way to see how much pollution we create. According to the Nature Conservancy, a carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases produced by our actions. Individuals can track their carbon footprints by looking at the things they do every day. Students at CU Boulder have a wonderful opportunity to use the AWorld app to not only calculate your footprint but help you lessen it. How you get to work, what you choose to eat, what you purchase in a day, and your recycling or disposal habits all have a direct impact on your carbon footprint.

By assessing your carbon footprint, you gain insight into how small changes can make a substantial difference. Imagine if we all embraced these changes collectively; now, you don’t have to, as you can witness the impact our community is making by joining the campus community on the AWorld app.

Each of us holds the potential to be a steward for the environment. By acknowledging the impact of our choices and implementing small, positive changes, we can collectively forge a more sustainable future. Let's embark on this journey together, armed with the knowledge that even the smallest adjustments can leave a lasting imprint on the health of our planet. Join the movement – download the AWorld App and witness the transformative power of our community in action.

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Reduce, Reuse and Recycle like a Sustainable Buff

Anonymous — Thu, 04 May 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle like a Sustainable Buff Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 05/04/2023 - 00:00

Reduce, reuse and recycle have been ingrained into our heads since we were kids. One of my favorite CDs as a kid was Jack Johnson’s Curious George, which featured this song and is probably the first time I heard of the three Rs. To this day, the song still gets stuck in my head.

Reducing, reusing and recycling can be pretty easy. The most challenging part, in my opinion, is just being mindful of the products we use every day.

Reducing, for example, may seem hard. Like many people our age, I love to shop and spend money. However, I try to buy things that I know I can use for a long time, rather than cheaper items that might not last as long. I also try to think about what I am buying and whether I really need it. Less consumption means less will end up in a landfill.

As for reusing, this is super easy! I have started to pay attention to things that I throw out a lot, like paper towels or snack bags. I realized that there were reusable alternatives to these items and invested in some. I saw a video of people cutting up old towels and pillowcases and decided to follow suit. I used these squares and some reusable kitchen towels, and now I only buy small packages of paper towels for the really gross stuff.

As for snack bags, I went to Target and bought some of their reusable ones. They’re more expensive than the Ziploc kind, but I won’t have to buy another set for a much longer period of time.

Recycling took me a while to get used to. Recycle bins weren’t very accessible to me before moving to Boulder, but now I do my best to recycle everything I can. I recommend checking out this guide to ensure you recycle things properly. Plastics are labeled with different numbers, which can be confusing. Keep in mind, every city has different guidelines on what can and cannot be recycled, so make sure you stay informed!

If you’re passionate about recycling or want to be more involved, CU’s Environmental Center has opportunities to volunteer. Get involved with Ralphie's Green Stampede, which helps make Buffs sporting events zero waste, or help with move out.

Sam, a Sustainable Buff and CU Boulder student, talks about the three Rs - reduce, reuse and recycle.

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Common misconceptions about food waste: what it is and how to reduce it

Anonymous — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Common misconceptions about food waste: what it is and how to reduce it Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 04/04/2023 - 00:00

Food waste is a prevalent topic in climate change conversations; we are often urged to make changes surrounding our diets and composting. But what is food waste, and how can we reduce the amount we create on a daily basis? Simply put, food waste is edible food that is discarded instead of being consumed. In the U.S. alone, 103 million tons of food is wasted every year, with the average person generating one pound of food waste daily. Here are some common misconceptions about food waste and how to reduce it:

Top Wasted Foods

The top foods and products that are typically thrown out each year include bread, milk and potatoes. Keep this in mind the next time you're grocery shopping.

Expiration Dates

One reason why Americans waste so much food is due to misunderstanding expiration dates. The "Best If Used By" date refers to when a product will be at peak flavor or quality, while the "Sell By" date tells the store how long they can display the product for sale. The "Use By" date is the last date recommended to consume the product while it's at peak quality. The "Freeze By" date indicates when a product should be frozen to maintain peak flavor or quality.

Composting

If you need to toss out food, consider composting it first. Colorado's composting policy has recently changed, and the only items that can be composted on campus are food scraps and yard/plant trimmings. Food scraps include bread, bones, cheese, eggshells, coffee grounds and produce. Yard and plant trimmings include leaves, twigs, flowers and grass. You can read more here.

By reducing food waste, we can all do our part in creating a sustainable future. Start by double checking expiration dates before throwing food away, and consider composting instead of tossing it in the trash. With small changes to our daily routines, we can make a big impact on reducing food waste. Don't forget to track your sustainable actions in the AWorld app! From April 15 through June 15, track your Sustainable Buff actions using the AWorld app. The first 500 participants to join the challenge will earn a free stasher bag. For each Buffs action logged, CU will invest $1 toward campus conservation and local carbon sequestration projects, up to $10,000. Participants will be invited to vote on the project to be funded.

Download the app and join the CU team today!

Learn about food waste and how to reduce it in your daily life. Discover common misconceptions, top wasted foods and tips for composting.

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