Sustainability- “Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” – Environmental Protection Agency

ECU and the Campus Living and Dining operations are active in conservation and recycling. Our departments work to make both environmentally and economically sound facilities and operational decisions.

What ECU Does…..

• Uses green cleaning supplies
• Practices Integrated Pest Management campus wide to avoid over use of pest control chemicals
• Has an active recycling program for everything to cans and bottles to construction materials. All vegetable fryer oil is recycled in our dining facilities
• ECU Dining Halls are tray-less to save water and energy, and reduce food waste
• Offers students front loading washers that use less water and soap
• Sends many documents out as electronic files via e-mail or web sites, saving paper
• In dining facilities, bulk dispensers are used when practical to reduce packaging, and induction, convection and pressure cooking technologies and methods are utilized to reduce food waste and energy consumption
• Uses recycled materials when possible. Napkins made from recycled materials used in all dining locations
• Fair-trade coffee is served whenever possible at Java City locations.
• Energy-efficient light bulbs are used whenever possible.
• Offers tray-less dining in all dining halls to reduce water consumption and waste.
  

      Ways To Conserve Water

• Don’t run the water while brushing your teeth
• Turn off the water while shaving in the shower
• Don’t run the water while washing your dishes
  
• Keep a bottle of cold water in the refrigerator
  
• Make sure the faucets are turned completely off before exiting the bathrooms.
  
• Immediately report any leaks that you may see to the Maintenance Line at 328-4997

      Laundry

• Our frontloaded washers are more energy and water efficient and use less detergent. Remember to do a full load of clothes when doing laundry.
  
• Use cold water (saves the energy to heat water)
  
• Use 1/3 the detergent that you usually would- lowers pollutants in the water
  
• Use bio degradable and environmentally friendly “green” cleaning products

      Energy Conservation

• Bring compact florescent bulbs for lamps and desk lighting, incandescent bulbs are not allowed to be used in the residence halls.
  
• Unplug your cell phone charger when not in use
• Turn off lights, air conditioner and electronic devices when you are not in your room
• Turn on your energy saving features on your computer and monitor
  Carpool
• Walk or ride a bicycle
• Shop by phone, Internet or mail
• Ride ECU transit system (it’s free for students, faculty and staff!)

Reduce Waste

• Recycle- use the recycle bins in your residence hall and dining areas to recycle bottles and cans, also recycle paper in your residence hall
• Use official reusable Campus Dining mugs instead of paper cups in retail dining locations including Java City Coffee Bars.
• Use reusable bags, or skip the plastic bags when shopping- earn extra JAM points for using a reusable bag at ECU retail dining locations
• Do not grab more napkins in the dining hall than needed
• Use wash cloths vs. paper towels
• Buy a set of silverware for your room to use instead of plastic forks and spoons

The goal of the ECU Recycling program is to reduce waste and minimize the University’s impact on local landfills. Not only is this is a state mandated program, it’s an important thing to do. To be successful, all ECU employees and students must participate. This web-site was developed to provide the campus community with helpful recycling and waste reduction information. It informs you as to What, Where, and How to recycle while on campus. The three crucial R’s (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) are the keys to waste reduction. We have used these three crucial R’s as simple guidelines to follow. Our goal is to encourage faculty, staff and students to recycle properly. Recyclable materials are only recoverable and marketable when they are sorted properly into their correct containers.

Looking for a little more information on how you can help? There are many resources on the web with information on reducing, reusing and recycling. We’ve listed a few websites below. Go check them out and help us to make this a “greener” place!

The Worlds Shortest Comprehensive Recycling Guide: What and What Not to Recycle http://www.obviously.com/recycle/guides/shortest.html