We Conserve: Be the We

This column features the We Conserve program and its work on campus.

When contemplating sustainability practices at your department or office building, it’s important to remember that not all conservation efforts require large-scale infrastructure adjustments.

There are many simple things that can be done to promote waste reduction by making a minimal investment. The recent efforts of the university’s Division of Recreational Sports demonstrate that.

The changes being made by the Division of Recreational Sports in a drive to “go green” are uncomplicated, yet they have the potential to greatly diminish the environmental impact of their operations.

For example, rather than printing thousands of sheets of paper with the facilities’ schedules on them, this year a small set of business cards were produced which encourage patrons to check schedules online. The switch has already vastly decreased the amount of paper being wasted, and the hope is to eventually eliminate even the business cards and move to an entirely electronic system.

The division also plans on using new software to replace paper in the membership registration process. This initiative is especially relevant for faculty and staff, because soon you will no longer be required to fill out a form to use the facilities or rent a locker. Instead, you will be able to manage your membership by simply signing in on a computer.

Another interesting project is the “Reuse a Shoe” program, which allows people to bring their old footwear in to any of the recreational sports buildings to be reprocessed. The shoes are collected by Madison Recycling and made into raw material for tracks and basketball courts, among other things.

While efforts such as these are specific to the Division of Recreational Sports, other steps taken could be equally beneficial to other offices around campus.

For example, to encourage responsible electricity use, stickers were placed on all computer monitors and light switches that ask users to “turn me off” when finished or when leaving a room.

In addition, fliers posted on billboards throughout the facilities provide staff with easy steps that can be taken around the office to promote sustainability and conservation. Some examples are recycle and reuse office supplies; put your computer to sleep; turn off unneeded equipment; print smart; bring your own bottle; rethink transportation; use reusable kitchenware; use the stairs; and educate and encourage others.

These ideas are not revolutionary or controversial. They are common-sense reforms that demonstrate how easy it is to “Be the We.”