UC|Sustainability Pledge

I pledge to live a more sustainable lifestyle. I will consider the environmental, social and economic impact of my daily decisions and make every effort to reduce my ecological footprint. I will also share my individual sustainability efforts with others at the University of Cincinnati and in my community.
By committing to do at least a few of the actions below, I am joining others to help create a more sustainable UC.

I will reduce my consumption of electricity by doing the following:

• Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent or LED bulbs.
• Turn off the lights before leaving a room.
• Unplug all electronics and appliances when not in use.
• Adjust thermostats according to the season (up in summer, down in winter) and use clothing for comfort.
• Use windows and curtains to help maintain comfortable room temperature and ventilation and to provide/reduce natural light.
• Wash full loads of laundry in cold water.
• Dry my clothes on a drying rack in place of using a dryer.

I will reduce my consumption of water by doing the following:

• Drink tap water instead of purchasing bottled water.
• Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth, shaving, etc.
• Use the least amount of water necessary when washing dishes.
• Shower quickly or turn off the water while applying products

I will reduce waste by doing the following:

• Recycle all mixed paper, cardboard, all plastic bottles & jugs, aluminum and steel cans, and glass bottles that cannot be reused.
• Buy recycled and used products.
• Put my food and drinks in reusable containers 
• Reuse plastic utensils or carry my own set.
• Avoid unnecessary items such as straws and plastic cups.
• Bring reusable bags to the grocery store.
• Reuse items whenever possible, donate instead of throwing away.
• Use a compost bin.
• Join a freecylce community or attend a reuse market.

I will also reduce my ecological footprint by doing the following:

• Buy local and seasonal foods and support local farmers and companies.
• Eat less meat, seafood, and dairy.
• Print only when necessary and print double-sided.
• Buy organically grown produce.
• Walk, bike, and use public transportation.
• Watch less television.
• Spend more time outdoors, exploring and enjoying nature.
• Promote the reuse and preservation of historical buildings.
• Promote and support renewable energy sources.

I will be more socially and economically responsible by doing the following:

• Buy goods manufactured under fair conditions, such as "fair trade" certified.
• Support sexual equality.
• Encourage racial equality.
• Take a course on sustainability or the environment.
• Donate unneeded or excess food to a shelter or food bank.
• Vote.
• Keep up-to-date on important issues by following unbiased news sources and discussing them with others.

I will engage my local and educational community by doing the following:

• Attend a free sustainability related lecture, film, workshop, tour, or bike ride on campus.
• Volunteer in the UC community garden.
• Volunteer to recycle at a sporting event on campus.
• Volunteer to pick up trash in my community.
• Volunteer for Earth Day events.
• Get involved with a student group in the Student Sustainability Coalition (SSC).
• I will share these ideas with my family, friends, and neighbors.

Your commitment to a more sustainable lifestyle helps the University of Cincinnati reach its goals of carbon neutrality and sustainability.

The UC Sustainability Pledge is a joint initiative between the President's Advisory Council on Environment & Sustainability, the Student Sustainability Coalition and Undergraduate Student Government Association, with support from UC's Office of Sustainability.

Take the Pledge now!