In the spirit of stabilitas loci–a deep commitment to the local community–making sustainable choices is a way to care for the land you live on. Here are some ideas for how you can live sustainably here on campus.
Before making a purchase, take a look at what you already have. For example, you can use plastic grocery bags as trash bags and napkins left over from fast-food restaurants instead of paper towels. If you don't have what you need, ask around! Every spring, the campus hosts a Trash to Treasure event, where dorm and apartment items are rehomed–keep an eye there for free items like futons, microwaves, and chairs.
When you make a purchase, consider the materials and processes involved in making it. Some materials produce unhealthy byproducts or destroy ecosystems. Other products might be made more sustainably, maybe by limiting water consumption or by instituting ethical employment practices. Think about product packaging too, and aim to purchase products with packaging that can be recycled or repurposed. Shrink wrap and styrofoam can be extremely difficult to recycle. Aluminum and glass, however, can be recycled almost infinitely.
Because recycling is processed at local facilities, the rules for your home may vary from the ones on campus. Recycling at SNC is sorted by Tri-County Recycling, which has an intuitive search tool called Waste Wizard that you can use to look up recycling possibilities for specific items. You can also download the Betterbin app, which scans items using your phone camera to find location-based recycling instructions. Check out the Recycling page to learn more!
Buying produce at a farmer’s market supports the local economy and has a lower carbon footprint because of the shorter transportation chain. It's also delicious! Throughout the summer and into the fall, there’s plenty of options at the De Pere Farmers Market (which is within walking distance!) and the Green Bay Farmers’ Market on Broadway.
Excessive water consumption wastes precious energy and resources. We consume water directly, through hygiene and cooking, but also use it in producing our food, clothing, and technology. These unnoticed uses often have the largest impact on our water footprint. You can calculate your virtual water use and learn how to minimize it here.
While we are slowly transitioning to sustainable energy, most power in Green Bay today is gathered from unsustainable energy sources like coal and natural gas. There are many ways to lower your energy consumption on campus, and you can learn more about them here.
St. Norbert college has many opportunities for you to cultivate sustainable lifestyles on campus through programs like TRIPS, Eco Club, and more! Learn more on the Campus Groups page.
Anne-Marie Bonneau
