Goals in Action

This is a quick and easy way to save energy. U-M's ITS department recommends setting your screen to turn off after 15 minutes or less and for your system to enter standby or sleep mode after 30 minutes or less.

Switch to LED bulbs. LEDs can use 80% less energy than traditional incandescents, saving you money, and can last 3-25 times longer.

Rent a KILL-A-WATT meter from the U-M Libraries to find out how much energy your phone charger, laptop, or coffee maker is using.

Walk or bike around campus to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions there are over 8,500 bike parking spaces on campus! Didn't bring a bike to campus? You can rent one from Adventure Leadership.

Students, staff, and faculty can all ride U-M blue buses and AAATA transportation for free. Download the Magic Bus app to see live tracking for all U-M buses.

Under-inflated tires lower your vehicle's fuel efficiency and increase your greenhouse gas emissions. Check your tire pressure once a month, and inflate your tires as needed to save on gas costs.

Watch this short video on how to dispose of your waste properly at U-M, and help others know what types of waste go into each type of bin.

Any event on campus with food can request free tableware (plates, cups, utensils), compost collection boxes, and signage from the Office of Campus Sustainability.

Americans purchase about 50 billion water bottles each year, which is about 156 bottles per person. Reduce your plastic waste by investing in a reusable bottle you can always have on hand.

The Sustainable Period Project aims to promote menstrual health and decrease the financial and environmental burden on students, faculty and staff. Free menstrual cups, sustainable underwear and pads are available at Maize and Blue Cupboard and University Health Service.

U-M research has shown that moderate shifts away from red meat can lead to significant improvements in both human health and our diet’s carbon footprint.

There is no better way to learn about growing food than by talking with a farmer. Visit a local farmers market or even the U-M Campus Farm to learn more about what you eat.

Eat seasonally. Michigan is the second most agriculturally diverse state in the country. Since we can grow such a great variety of foods here, we should eat them here too!

Short showers reduce the amount of water used and the amount of energy used to heat that water.

To save water, wait until you have a full load of laundry to run your washing machine. Also, whenever possible, wash your laundry in cold water to save energy.

A water footprint estimates the amount of water you directly consume as well as the water used to produce the goods and services you use. Visit watercalculator.org to determine your footprint and see water reduction tips.

Stop by to browse dozens of booths and learn how you can get involved in sustainability on campus and beyond.

Encourage your friends and coworkers to think and act more sustainably. Lead by example, and help them figure out how they can contribute by sharing these tips with them!

If you liked these tips and are interested in learning more, take the Planet Blue Ambassador training to learn about U-M’s campus sustainability goals and more ways you can help out.