Office of Sustainability

Sustainability is the ability to provide for current human population growth, development, and living needs without destroying or depleting our limited resources, the environment, or other requirements for future populations to exist at the same or better standards. A transition to sustainable standards of food and energy production, among other things, is necessary for our Earth to remain suitable for future generations of life.

Earth Day April 22: Staying Home, Staying Green

Bobcats, let’s continue to be green as we celebrate Earth Day 2020 with many of us away from our campuses.  It’s the 50^th anniversary of this worldwide environmental movement.  On this day, 50 years ago, the first Earth Day celebration was held, with its focus on conservation of natural resources and sustainability.  The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged us to become more resourceful than ever in our daily activities, work schedules, classes, and university events.  Earth Day is a perfect way to put your innovation and creativity to good use with positive stewardship in honor of the 50^th anniversary.

 

While we are implementing many sustainability-related initiatives on our campuses, we encourage Bobcats and their families to practice some of these environmentally-conscious projects, activities, and lifestyle changes even as you shelter at home:

·       Turn off and unplug electronics you’re not using. This includes turning off your computer at night.

·       Turn off lights when you leave a room.

·       Fix leaky faucets and shower heads.

·       Run your dishwasher only when it’s full to save water and energy.

·       Take a shorter shower and use a water-saving shower head.

·       Grow your own organic garden, using the seeds from produce you buy at the store.

·       Use cloth towels instead of paper ones.

·       Stop using disposable plastics, especially single-use plastics like bottles, bags, and straws.

·       Replace inefficient incandescent light bulbs with efficient CFLs or LEDs.  

·       Use environmentally-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products.

·       Take a walk around your neighborhood, remaining six feet away from others.

 

Keep up with the Office of Sustainability and our ongoing focus on keeping Texas State green by following us on Instagram and Twitter at @txstsustain.  Are you practicing some awesome sustainable techniques or celebrating Earth Day at home?  We’d love to see it!  Use the hashtags #StayingHomeStayingGreen and #MakingGreentheNewMaroon.

 

Stay healthy and safe Bobcats!  Please email Emma Parsley or call 512-245-2517 with any great ideas or questions.