Creating a Sustainable Campus

"Striking the right balance between what we want and what nature can provide"

Sonoma State University is committed to educating future generations about the need for sustainable living as a means of balancing human, social, cultural and economic needs with the natural environment. Our graduates will understand the role of the natural resources of this planet and the importance of living in harmony with other humans and species now and into the future.

The University will contribute to building a new vision of the North Bay region that integrates the principles of sustainable economics, sustainable communities and peaceful coexistence into the academic programs and collaborations of our University.

This Web site is the forum for information about SSU’s contributions to sustainability. We invite you to learn more and join us in advancing sustainable development for the future of humanity.

Earth

How to make Earth Day EVERYDAY at SSU!
12 Easy Tips:

  1. Use the single-stream recycling system on campus – all recyclables into one container!  Offices, use your mini-bin containers!
  2. Re-use paper – consult with your professors about turning in homework on double-sided paper. Recycle only after it’s been used on both sides.
  3. Change your incandescent bulbs out and replace them with compact fluorescent bulbs (for a free trade-in of your old incandescent, contact the Green Campus Coalition or JUMP).
  4. Walk, ride your bike, or take public transportation instead of starting up your car.
  5. Try to carpool when you need to go to the store or drive somewhere.  Check out the AlterNet Rides board.
  6. Turn the water off when you are brushing your teeth or other times you really don’t need to use running water.
  7. Take shorter showers to cut down on the amount of water we use.  Every 10 minutes is 50 gallons of water used.
  8. If you live on campus, drop off your household batteries for proper disposal.
  9. Turn the lights off in rooms and spaces that aren’t being used. 
  10. Put your computer on sleep mode when you are using it, and turn it off at night.
  11. Eat local and organic foods to cut down on pesticide use and transportation costs associated with food.  If you eat in the cafeteria, take only what you are going to eat.
  12. Use cloth bags and backpacks instead of paper bags or plastic bags when you buy items.

and…Learn more about sustainability efforts at SSU and our surrounding ecosystem. You can make a difference in our campus community.

Earth Day QuizTake the Ecological Footprint Quiz!

The Ecological Footprint Quiz estimates how much productive land and water you need to support what you use and what you discard. After answering 15 easy questions you'll be able to compare your Ecological Footprint to what other people use and to what is available on this planet.

Bike to Work Day is May 15

Bike to Work DayJoin tens of thousands of folks in the Bay Area on May 15 get to work without starting up their cars.  Over 190 Energizer Stations throughout the Bay Area will offer free goodies and refreshments for commuters to work, school, errands, and play. Make biking a more regular part of your life and support the benefits we all receive for public health, traffic reduction, and our environment.  For more information, go to Bike to Work Day.

Paper Use Reduction: From E-mail to 100% Recycled

Many departments on campus have taken it upon themselves to make strides to help make the campus more sustainable. These efforts range from printing on 100% recycled paper to changing business practices to include more email and less printed materials. For example, Employee Services estimates they are saving almost 15,000 sheets of paper per year by switching to electronic employment applications and using e-mail to send some correspondence. Other departments have begun to use 100% recycled paper which saves over 5.3 pounds of greenhouse gases per ream or have mandated duplex printing for all documets helping to cut paper use.