Moving to a college campus? Here’s how to keep sustainability in mind

Note to reporters: High-resolution images of Colorado State University move-in week will be posted to Flickr. Members of the media are welcome to visit campus during this time, and we are happy to arrange interviews discussing sustainability. Please coordinate visits with the media relations team at [email protected]. 

This week, more than 6,000 new Rams will move into their new homes on the Colorado State University campus. While this is an exciting time for students and families, it can also tax the environment. 

“On average, 84,000 pounds of materials are thrown away at move-in, and over twice that amount when students move out in May,” said Mary Liang, associate director of sustainability for Housing & Dining Services.”However, tons of waste are diverted each year thanks to CSU’s sustainable initiatives. That includes efforts to recycle all cardboard and styrofoam packaging during student move-in, as well as our collection and donation of gently-used items during student move out. 

“All of this allows us to greatly reduce our waste impact on the city’s landfill.” 

As a STARS platinum-rated University for sustainability, CSU offers these tips to incoming residents to move in and out of on-campus housing more sustainably:

  • Residents are encouraged to pack lightly. Visit this website for tips about what to bring and what to leave at home. 
  • Talk to roommates ahead of move-in about what they are bringing to avoid duplicate items.
  • Rent a microfridge instead of buying one.
  • Avoid large, bulky furniture. 
  • CSU will have move-in waste stations around campus, and boxes can be dropped off at various corral stations to be recycled. In addition, the University will offer styrofoam recycling just for move-in. Last year, this program kept 1,000 pounds of styrofoam out of landfills. 
  • Consider energy-efficient lamps and string lights like LEDs.
  • Use a box fan in halls without AC. Close your curtains during the day to keep indoor temperatures lower and open windows in the evening to let in the cooler air. 
  • Choose not to bring a vehicle to campus because of the many active transportation options for getting around town, like the free MAX bus system in Fort Collins. 
    • Most CSU students do not bring vehicles their first year on campus. 
    • More than 80% of CSU students bring a bike.
  • When you can, buy items secondhand via Facebook Marketplace or thrift stores, or even check out the plethora of items available in CSU Surplus. 

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