I pledge to explore and work to understand the social, economic, and environmental impact my choices have on the world; engage myself to rethink, reduce, reuse, and recycle in that order; and to transform myself wherever possible into a more sustainably aware and educated individual. Furthermore, I pledge to use the knowledge and experience I gain at Saint Mary's to improve the sustainability of the communities in which I live, learn, and work.
Seven key areas where your actions can make a difference.
- The Energy you use
- The Water you consume
- The Food you eat
- The Waste you produce
- The Transportation you use
- The Paper you use
- The Information you absorb
The Energy You Use - Maximize Efficiency And Consume Less
- Turn off the lights every time you leave a room
- Switch to Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs
- Set sleep mode on your computer and turn it off when it's not being used consistently
- Reduce heating related energy consumption by turning the thermostat down at night, during the day while you are out, and off during the summer.
- Buy Energy Star appliances whenever possible
- Wash your cloths in warm or cold water instead of hot water
- If possible, take the stairs instead of an elevator.
The Water You Consume - Leave More In The Earth
- Drink tap water instead of bottled water
- Don't let the water run when brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your hands
- Take shorter showers
- If possible, install low-flow showerheads
The Food You Eat - You Are What You Eat
- Eat locally whenever possible
- Choose organics foods whenever possible
- Eat lower on the food chain (less meat)
- Reduce food waste (preparing what you intend to eat)
- Eat sustainably harvested food
The Waste You Produce - One Person's Trash Is Another Person's Treasure
- Carry a reusable mug and water bottle whenever possible
- Bring your own lunch in reusable containers
- Use available resources and recycle/compost properly
The Transportation You Use - Two Feet And A Heart Beat
- Walk, bike, carpool, or take public transit
- Don't idle your car
- Buy a fuel efficient car
- Shrink your daily travel distances
The Paper You Use - Hug A Tree And Save A Forest
- Buy paper with at least 30% post-consumer recycling content
- Add a reminder to "think before you print" to your email signature
- Double-side all copies and print jobs (assignments and essays included)
- Reuse single sided documents as note paper
The Information You Absorb - Think About It
- Stay informed on the issues
- Let political representatives know where you stand
- Create change in your community
- Join our Facebook group - Sustainable Saint Mary's
- Tell at least 3 other people about this pledge
