1 beyond recycling into environmental sustainability

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Beyond Recycling Into

Environmental Sustainability

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We all know about environmental problems like:Global warming

The 14 warmest years ever have all occurred since 1980

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Species Extinction3-8 wild species go extinct EVERY HOUR!

Rainforest DestructionOver 40% of all tropical forests have been destroyed

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OverconsumptionAmericans are 5% of the world’s population yet consume 30% of the world’s resources

WasteAmericans throw away 600 times their weight in garbage during their lifetime

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But, Did You Know That WE Contribute to These and Other

Environmental Problems Every

Day??

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We are recycling. But, recycling is only a first step toward SUSTAINABILITY,

which means “living, working and behaving in

ways that restore the integrity and biodiversity of

the local and planetary ecosystems upon which all

life depends.”

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So, we need to be sustainable to

ensure we have a healthy environment

for ourselves, our children and other

species…

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What Can We Do to Be More Sustainable?

1. Turn OFF your lights and appliances, including your computer (and monitor) when you won’t be using it for 30 minutes or more. Use the SLEEP mode to conserve lots of energy.

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2. Reduce paper usage by storing info electronically, double-siding, using smaller fonts, using scrap paper, etc

3. Take only what you NEED in Dining Halls (food waste costs nearly $1,000,000 of your room and board fees!)

4. Eat LESS MEAT (conserves water, energy, animal lives & your health)

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5) Use hot water sparingly. 6) Turn off the water when you

brush your teeth. 7) Wash you clothes in cold

water.8) AVOID disposable products 9) Drive LESS (save $ & improve

your health). Driving is your #1 environmental impact, so consider walking, biking and riding the bus.

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10. BUY LESS Stuff…Consider whether you really need something before you buy it…Give tickets or favors instead of things for the holidays! Better for your wallet and the environment.

11. RECYCLE (your paper & containers as well as batteries, etc.). See www.recycle.umich.edu

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How can YOU get involved?

1. JOIN an environmental organization like ENACT (www.umich.edu/~enact) or the Sustainable U of M Team (sustainum.org)

2. Take an environmental CLASS in SNRE or the RC, like ES 391: Sustainability & the Campus

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3.Check out national campus sustainability efforts through the National Wildlife Federation (www.nwf.org/ campusecology)

4.Write a letter to newspapers, politicians, administrators or others about your interest in the environment and making this campus, community and country more sustainable.

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5. Get involved/Make suggestions for Housing and Dining Services sustainability efforts by e-mailing jeffreyl@umich.edu. Check out the special edition of the Newslink available at the front desk. Check out www.housing.umich.edu/ services/environ/index.html for more information.

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6. Talk to your friends about environmental issues and sustainability

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This Hall is participating in University Housing’s

Resource Conservation Campaign/Ecolympics.

Look in your recycling closet for more details

and follow the eco-tips on this bulletin board to win!

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Move Beyond Recycling Into Sustainability!