Sustainability

Sustainability Newsletter | January 2020

Academics

School Shopping
- Pay attention to what you really need to purchase for the semester. Do you have extra notebooks you didn’t use in that fall that you could use this semester?
- Need to buy books for your new classes? Consider buying them secondhand, borrowing them from a friend, or buying an electronic version. You will save money and resources!
- Are there any supplies that you know your go through a lot of through the course of the semester, like pens or pencils? Buy in bulk whenever possible to not only reduce the cost to you, put also the amount of packaging that you consume.
Studying
- Reduce the amount of paper you use by taking notes electronically if you have a laptop or tablet. You can apply this same principle to any articles you need to read by downloading and editing a PDF version rather than printing it out.
- Is your learning style more conducive to use paper for notetaking and studying? No problem! Just be sure to use both sides of the paper or use scrap paper whenever possible. And don’t forget to recycle your notes when you no longer need them!
- Are you a fan of using flashcards? Opt for online flashcard platforms like Quizlet to create electronic flashcards rather than using paper. If you prefer to use paper flashcards, opt for ones that contain recycled content.
Transportation

- Utilize TAMU’s VeoRide bike share program to get around. Download the app to unlock the teal bikes and pay just 50 cents per 30 minutes of ride time!
- Nice day outside? Enjoy the weather by walking to and from class. It is also an easy way to get some exercise when you’re not busy studying or doing schoolwork.
- Need to get across campus, but it’s too far to walk or bike? Take advantage of the Aggie Spirit Bus to get you where you need to go. With routes both on and off campus, the bus is an effective way to get around.

Recycle

Whether on-campus or off, you can recycle pretty much anything at Texas A&M! From plastic bottles and aluminum to glass, learn more about what and where to recycle below!

Above: Two Trex Plastic Film bins located in the Commons

Electronic Waste (E-waste – batteries, cords, etc.) – More Information
Plastic film (grocery bags, bubble wrap, Ziploc bags, etc.) – More Information
Glass – Utility & Energy Services has a recycling center on west campus near the School of Public Health located on Adriance Lab Road
A Plastic, Aluminum, & Paper – Texas A&M standard recycling containers allow you to recycle these 3 common items everywhere on campus

December Sustainability Newsletter

Hosting Parties

This time of year provides us to gather with family and friends, combining good company with good food. At the same time, all the holiday spirit can result in a lot of waste.

Purchase in-season ingredients – winter fruits & vegetables include kale, oranges, broccoli, and carrots
You always want to make sure you have enough food to feed your guests, but be careful not to cook too much. Parties can result in a lot of food waste if you are not careful. There are useful charts online that can help you estimate how much food you need without overdoing it.
- Did you cook too much? Tell guests to bring reusable to-go containers so you limit the food wasted and allow everyone to have enough for lunch or dinner the next day. Bonus points if those containers are made of glass instead of plastic!
Utilize reusable dinnerware and utensils to reduce the amount of waste generated from single-use plastics and Styrofoam.
Opt for cloth napkins that can be washed and reused. Want to go the extra mile? Make sure the napkins are made from 100% natural fibers like cotton!

Wrapping Gifts

Several holidays involve the exchanging of gifts. However, did you know that the majority of commercial wrapping paper cannot be recycled? Look for ways that you can package items in a sustainable way.

Learn about Japan’s furoshiki method of wrapping gifts which involves artfully tying a piece of fabric around a gift. The fabric can range in size and shape and is useful when wrapping oddly shaped items.
Is your gift a food items you made like cookies? Take advantage of mason jars that not only protect your food item, but can also be reused by the person you are giving it to!
A fan of printed media like newspapers? Reuse them as wrapping paper! The comics section can be especially fun to use. You can also use old paper notes from your classes this semester.
Are you the type of person to save cards you have received in the past? Take them out of that desk drawer and use them to create tags for gifts. Simply cut out a portion of the card, whether it has snowflakes or spruce trees, punch a hole in it, and then loop a small piece of ribbon or twine to create a one-of-a-kind gift tag!
Bags are one of the easiest ways to give a gift. Rather than using a holiday bag that will be tossed out or sit in a drawer, put the gift in a reusable grocery bag.

Traveling

Whether traveling locally or internationally, there are several ways you can reduce your carbon footprint and impact on the planet.

Staying overnight? Rather than using large hotel chains, stay at locally-owned accommodations like Bed and Breakfasts. Putting your money into the local economy whenever possible is always the best option.
Are you flying or taking a long road trip? You can purchase carbon offsets* to mitigate your carbon footprint! These can be purchased before or after your travel and fund projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Speaking of flying, can you fly directly to your destination without any layovers? Choose direct flights when possible as the takeoff and landing of airplanes is the cause of most of the plane’s carbon emissions.
Consider carpooling if you will be traveling with multiple people to reduce not only the wear and tear on your car, but also reduce the carbon emissions you but put into the atmosphere.
Is your destination a place that is walkable like a big city? Opt to travel by foot or other modes of transportation like bikes if at all possible. The slower pace will allow you to take in the environment around you and see things you might have missed if traveling by car or bus.

What ways are you sustainable during the holidays?

Let us know about your sustainable holiday traditions - old or new - by sending an email to sustainability@reslife.tamu.edu!

Contact ResLife Sustainability

Email: sustainability@reslife.tamu.edu
Instagram: Texas A&M Residence Life
Facebook: Aggies Going Green
Twitter: @TAMUResLife
Webpage: reslife.tamu.edu/living/sustainability

*Carbon offset = an action intended to compensate for the emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere as a result of industrial or other human activity, especially when quantified and traded as part of a commercial program.

November Sustainability Newsletter

This year, the Department of Residence Life piloted the Sustainable Aggie (SA) Living Learning Community (LLC). The SA LLC is a themed/interest LLC for residents who wish to learn more about sustainability and what it means to live a sustainable lifestyle. Residents learn from a variety of guest speakers covering all 3 pillars of sustainability: social, environmental, and economic. They also have the ability to attend several field trips in the Bryan-College Station area that exemplify sustainable practices.

Recently, Sustainable Aggies were able to tour Aquatic Greens Farm in Bryan. Aquatic Greens is an aquaponics farm where owner, Sharon Wells, grows a variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the year. Not only that, but Aquatic Greens promotes social sustainability through teaching teens and adults with learning or cognitive disabilities how to grow food and other valuable skills. This work fits in perfectly with Mrs. Wells’ background as a Special Education teacher. After she left the school system to pursue the farm full-time, Mrs. Wells had previous students ask if they could help her run the farm which she gladly accepted. She is now working to expand so her workers can work with other businesses that Mrs. Wells’ collaborates with.

Sustainable Aggies will also have the chance to tour a local honey farm run by Residence Life’s very own Facilities & Operations Construction Project Manager, Mr. Steve Laube. Another field trip that is planned for the spring semester is to tour a solar farm near Houston to learn more about renewable energy production in Texas.

The SA LLC has also had several groups come to speak to them about sustainability related topics. An important part of sustainability is understanding that it is all encompassing. The 3 foundational pillars must work together in order to create a sustainable world. The SA residents listen to speakers who represent each of the pillars to understand how the various components work individually and collectively. These guest speakers are outlined below:

Aggie Eco Rep Vice President for Education, Shelby Warrington, discusses Texas A&M’s carbon footprint in Eppright Hall

Aggies 2 Aggies came to talk about culture and how it relates to social sustainability.
LIFE 101 spoke on how to budget and maintain a healthy diet throughout the year. Residents were able to create their own budgets and learn some simple meals that can be prepped ahead in the halls. This topic focused on the students’ personal economic sustainability.
The Aggie Eco Reps hosted a program on carbon emissions. SAs were able to calculate their own carbon footprint and learn ways on how they can change their lifestyles to reduce it. Residents were also able to win sustainable prizes by answering questions of consumption and utilities correctly!
Yadira Hernandez, sustainability intern for Chartwells, talked about dining’s commitment to being more sustainable. She discussed their new “Skip the Straw” campaign and informed residents about how Chartwells is moving to increase composting in all dining locations on campus.

October Sustainability Newsletter

We have talked about the Office of Sustainability in a prior Sustainability Newsletter. This month we focus on the Office’s newly relaunched Aggie Sustainability Alliance (ASA). The ASA is an alliance composed of various faculty and staff at Texas A&M who participate in fostering a culture of sustainability here in Aggieland. The ASA Certification has two levels that can be applied for: individual and office. Both certification checklists cover actions and items across a variety of sustainability domains. This includes energy, transportation, purchasing, and more.

For individual certifications, there are a minimum number of commitments that must be met at each of the three certification levels. Each of the five sections of the checklist have five commitments listed. The tier that you are placed in is linked to the number of commitments you agree to. For example, Tier 1: Supporter requires you commit to a minimum of one action in each of the five sections, Tier 2: Advocate requires two commitments per section, and so on.

A unique aspect of the office-level certification is that “office” can apply to whoever you work with on a regular basis. If you are part of a large office or department, for example Residence Life, you can list out those you work with most or those who share your workspace. In the case of Residence Life, the Central Administrative Office is working on their office certification and is encouraging their other offices like Housing Assignments and Facilities & Operations to get ASA certified.

Certification Process:

Go to http://sustainability.tamu.edu/aggie-sustainability-alliance.aspx
Scroll down to the certification level that you would like to do.
1. Please note that in order to get the office certification, 35% or more of the full-time faculty/staff working in your office must be individually certified.
Fill-out and submit the certification application.
Once your application has been submitted…
1. Individual certification: The ASA will send you a placard to place on your office door through Campus Mail
2. Office certification: ASA staff will contact you to conduct an audit based on your office’s submitted checklist. If your office passes, you will receive a framed certificate.

October Sustainability Events

Events Calendar
Date(s)	Event
10/9 - 10/10	The 12th Can - Open from 10:00am to 4:30pm
10/13	Step In, Stand Up Training
10/16	AAUW Start Smart Workshop
10/18	Sustainability Award Nominations Due
10/21	Green Dot Bystander Intervention Training
10/23 - 10/24	The 12th Can - Open from 10:00am to 4:30pm
10/23	6th Annual Fall Sustainability Dinner
10/24	AAUW Work Smart Workshop

Donate… Don’t Dump!

Donate, Don't Dump takes place only at the end of each Spring Semester. Information shown below is for Spring 2019. Updated information for Spring 2020 will be posted in early-Spring 2020.

Residence Life strongly supports sustainability. Therefore, as you are preparing to move out at the end of the Spring semester, we are asking that you Donate, Don't Dump!

Do you have non-perishable food items, clothing, and other household items that you don't want to pack up and take with you? Don't throw them in the trash! We have a sustainable solution!!

Residence Life has partnered with Goodwill Industries and The 12th Can, a student-run food pantry, who are providing trailers, trucks, and bins in convenient on-campus drop-off locations Friday, May 4 through Thursday, May 10, 2018 (except on Sunday) so you can donate these unwanted items rather than adding them to the landfill.

Goodwill Industries

Goodwill Industries will have trailers, trucks and bins available for donations of clothing, small appliances, and household items. These locations will be staffed 8:30am to 4:30pm. Give items a second life and help provide jobs.

Locations:

Gardens Apartments - a bin outside of the Activity Center | Map
White Creek Apartments - a bin inside the Activity Center | Map
Northside of Main Campus - a truck in Lot 32 | Map
Southside of Main Campus - a trailer near Appelt Hall | Map

The 12th Can

The 12th Can is a student-run food pantry for use by faculty, staff and students will have collection bins for non-perishable food.

Locations:

Each Goodwill station (except Lot 32)
24/7 Service Desk at Hullabaloo Hall Map
24/7 Service Desk at the Southside Commons Map

In-Hall Recycling Containers

The in-hall recycling containers will also be available. Please take care with what is placed in waste containers vs recycling containers. As waste containers fill up, please be mindful NOT to put waste in the recycling containers.

The big ‘green worms’ for recycling will remain in place. Students are welcome to transport their own recycling to those containers. The campus takes aluminum and plastics in one stream and paper and light cardboard in another stream. Heavier cardboard can be handled/dropped off at some of the sites.

Locations:

Gardens Apartments - down the street (east) from the Community Center
West Campus - on Adriance Lab Road across from the School of Public Health
Northside of Main Campus - in Lot 32 near Haas Hall
Southside of Main Campus - on Bizzell Street between Rudder Hall and the Southside Garage

NOTE: The Gardens Apartments and West Campus sites have room to drive-up close to unload.

September Sustainability Newsletter

Statistics to Know

In 2017…¹

8% of U.S. households were food-insecure with 4.5% having very low food security
40 million people lived in food-insecure households
Over half a million children lived in households where one or more children experienced very low food security

In Texas…²

1 in 7 people struggles with hunger
1 in 4 children struggles with hunger
Over 4.2 million people in Texas are struggling with hunger

In the Brazos Valley…³

1 in 5 individuals is food insecure
Over one third of children in the valley are food insecure
From July 2017 to June 2018, over 46,000 people were fed through a food bank partner or program

In Brazos County…²

The rate of food insecurity is over 20%
Over 43,000 people are food insecure
The average cost of a meal is $2.89

Definitions to Know

Food desert – an urban area in which it is difficult to buy affordable or good-quality fresh food
Food Insecurity – the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food
- Low food security – reports of reduced quality, variety, or desirability of diet with little or no indication of reduced food intake
- Very low food security – reports of multiple indications of disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake
Food oasis – can be defined as any place where people have the best possible access to healthy options and eating environments
Food Security – the state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food
- High food security – no reported indications of food-access problems of limitations
- Marginal food security – one or two reported indications – typically of anxiety over food sufficiency or shortage of food in the house – with little or no indication of changes in diets or food intake

Income Guidelines for Using The 12th Can
# of Household Members	Annual	Monthly	Twice-Monthly	Bi-Weekly	Weekly
1	$21,978	$1,832	$916	$846	$423
2	$29,637	$2,470	$1,235	$1,140	$570
3	$37,296	$3,108	$1,554	$1,435	$718
4	$44,955	$3,747	$1,874	$1,730	$865
5	$52,614	$4,385	$2,193	$2,024	$1,012
6	$60,273	$5,023	$2,512	$2,319	$1,160
7	$67,951	$5,663	$2,832	$2,614	$1,307
8	$75,647	$6,304	$3,152	$2,910	$1,455
For Each Additional Person, Add:	+$7,696	+$642	+$321	+$296	+$148
Note: Use gross income to determine eligibility. Farmers and self-employed households qualify based on net income (total income minus expenses). A household with unexpected and unavoidable expenses of a household crisis may qualify for temporary, emergency food assistance without regard to the household’s gross or net income.

August Sustainability Newsletter

Sustainable Moving Tips

As you pack to move to Aggieland, sell or donate unwanted items you come across to reduce what you have in your living space.
Make an inventory of what you are bringing as you pack. That way you can make sure you don’t pack unnecessary or buy duplicates of items you only need one of.
Looking to decorate your space? Consider purchasing décor from secondhand stores. You’ll find unique items for your space, save money, and give items a new life.
Skip the moving boxes and use suitcases, book bags, and totes that you already have to help you pack.
Forgot to grab something and need to run to the store? Make a list of everything you need prior to going in order to reduce the amount of car trips you need to take.

July Sustainability Newsletter

A simple way for students, faculty, and staff to reduce their carbon footprint and lead a more sustainable, and healthy, lifestyle is to bike or walk rather than driving a personal car. Our partners in Transportation Services have found a new bike share service that came to campus this past year. VeoRide took over for ofo beginning Spring 2019. Learn more about how VeoRide is helping A&M become a more sustainable campus and how you can get involved in this month’s sustainability newsletter.

How to Use VeoRide

Find a ride
Easily find where a VeoRide bike is near you by logging onto the VeoRide app. You can even reserve a bike for up to 10 minutes!

Scan to unlock
Use your phone to scan the QR code on the bike or enter its ID to unlock it

Park responsibly
Once you are done riding be sure to park your VeoRide in a designated area as seen on the app. Push the slider on the lock to dock the bike and end your trip.

How Much Does VeoRide Cost?

$0.50/15 minutes
$6.99/day
$15/month
$75/year

Be aware that these rates are subject to change. Use your TAMU email account to receive the discounted rate.

June Sustainability Newsletter

The Texas Regional Alliance for Campus Sustainability (TRACS), of which Texas A&M is a member, was created in 2008 at the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) conference. With the support of both the Environmental Science Institute at the University of Texas at Austin and the Texas State Energy Conservation Office, TRACS was able to begin facilitating events and collaborations between campuses to advance sustainability. Over the last 11 years, TRACS has made great progress in promoting sustainability on higher education campuses throughout the state of Texas.

Vision: The Texas Regional Alliance for Campus Sustainability (TRACS) fosters a statewide network that embodies inter-campus collaboration and aspires to lead the world into a sustainable future committed to environmental preservation, economic development, and social equity.

Mission: The mission of TRACS is to provide resources, expertise, education, peer-to-peer support, and training to advance sustainability in Texas higher education through an annual statewide summit and diverse member-driven network of students, faculty, and staff.

TRACS Annual Conference

Every spring an annual conference for TRACS is held. Member institutions take turns hosting the event and showcasing their sustainability initiatives while providing an inclusive environment for institutions to share knowledge and resources. The conference lasts for several days with pre- and post-conference workshops offered to attendees. These workshops vary depending on the host institution with last year’s conference, hosted at Huston-Tillotson University, offering an Austin Metro bus adventure and a farm-based youth leadership tour of Urban Roots farm. This year’s conference also saw the addition of an overarching theme focusing on social and environmental justice.

3rd Annual U-Challenge a Success

Texas A&M University’s Department of Residence Life and Utility & Energy Services (UES) are proud to announce the success of the 3rd Annual U-Challenge This year we had 9 student teams with 3 at the graduate level and 6 at the undergraduate level. They did an outstanding job examining utility consumption trends and brainstorming ideas on how to improve infrastructure and student engagement to reduce consumption and create a culture of sustainability.

Teams were provided with the last two years of monthly and hourly utility consumption data for their assigned hall. Using this information, they created graphs indicated the differences between their assigned hall and an equivalent, renovated hall to show the efficiency of infrastructure improvements. In addition to the utility data, students also researched past student engagement efforts by various departments and student groups. After collecting their information, teammates worked together to create their presentations, analyze data, and brainstorm solutions.

All teams participated in a run-through of their presentations on March 5 and 6 to UES and Res Life staff along with one of our sponsor representatives in preparation for the first official round of presentations at the end of the March. This year’s U-Challenge also incorporated several peer mentors for our teams. Two mentors, Emre Demirel and Spyridon Tsolas, participated in the previous year’s U-Challenge and their team took 1st place in the graduate level. Each of them mentored 3 of our undergraduate teams while Daniel Hirsch, a graduate student in Construction Science, mentored the 3 graduate teams.

The first round of presentations was held on March 26 and 27 where 6 undergraduate and 3 graduate teams gave their findings regarding consumption in their assigned hall. These teams also proposed improvements in infrastructure and student engagement to conserve utilities and energy. At the end, 5 teams (2 graduate and 3 undergraduate) progressed to the final round of the competition on April 16. Teams that did not progress were invited to come to the final round and view the finalist presentations while enjoying a catered banquet from Chartwells featuring a vegetarian and locally sourced menu. The panel was comprised of judges from various departments and business, including senior administrators, faculty, and industry professionals. Despite only a few of the teams proceeding to the final round, all 9 teams who participated in this year’s U-Challenge have the chance to see their recommendations implemented at Texas A&M in the future.

Sponsors, Siemens and Johnson Controls, provided several events for our students to attend as part of the challenge. Johnson Controls gave a presentation on February 26 discussing what the energy and utility fields look like today for young adults preparing to enter the workforce. They also reviewed future internship and career opportunities. Siemens provided two energy engineers, Curtis Boecker and Ming He, to take students on separate tours through Hobby Hall. Students had the chance to go through a basic energy survey and learned more about the mechanical and electrical systems they are currently researching.

This year’s U-Challenge recommendations will be added to an expanding spreadsheet and will be examined each fall semester for potential implementation. Many of these have already been incorporated into educational materials placed in the halls and ongoing renovation projects. Some of the current ideas presented in this year’s challenge include light switch card keys, utility apps for students to review real-time consumption data, and a variety of events resident advisors can host to promote sustainability awareness.

Above: Judges, team mentors, and staff gather for a group photo. From left to right: Mr. Daniel Hirsch (Construction Science), Dr. Zofia Rybkowski (Construction Science), Mr. Bryce London (Siemens), Mr. Phil Purpich (Johnson Controls), Ms. Kelly Wellman (Office of Sustainability), Mr. Jim Riley (UES), Ms. Chareny Rydl (Residence Life), Mr. Tom Reber (Division of Student Affairs), Dr. Yasuko Sakurai (UES), Ms. Kristianna Bowles (Residence Life), Mr. Tim Murphy (UES), Mr. Emre Demirel (Chemical Engineering), and Mr. Spyridon Tsolas (Chemical Engineering). Not Pictured: Mr. Dan Mizer (Residence Life), Mr. Johnny Smith (UES), Ms. Krystin Catlin (Residence Life), Mr. Jeff Truss (Environmental Health & Safety), Mr. Jonathan Houston (Construction Science), Mr. Charlie Shear (UES)

Kristianna Bowles

Kristianna Bowles is the Graduate Assistant Sustainability Coordinator for Residence Life at Texas A&M University. She is pursuing her Master’s degree in Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences with an emphasis in Youth Development. Prior to studying at TAMU, Kristianna received her Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a concentration in Ecology and Environmental Biology from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA.

Tim Murphy

Tim Murphy serves as an Energy Steward for the Utilities & Energy Services department in the Division of Administration. Tim graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science of Renewable Natural Resources. He spent 3.5 years in Energy Management while working for Schneider Electric, and 4.5 years in the Oil and Gas Industry in Drilling and Completion, using automation controls to increase efficiency, reduce waste, reduce cost, improve results, and enhance bottom lines. Tim’s primary areas are Residence Life Buildings.

Sustainability

January 2020 Volume 3, Issue 4

Sustainable Spring Semester

Academics

Recycle

December 2019 Volume 3, Issue 3

Sustainable Holidays and Breaks

Hosting Parties

Wrapping Gifts

Traveling

What ways are you sustainable during the holidays?

Contact ResLife Sustainability

November 2019 Volume 3, Issue 2

Aggie Sustainability Alliance

Contact Aquatic Greens Farm

Contact ResLife Sustainability

October 2019 Volume 3, Issue 1

Aggie Sustainability Alliance

Contact Office of Sustainability

Contact ResLife Sustainability

October Sustainability Events

Goodwill Industries

The 12th Can

In-Hall Recycling Containers

September 2019 Volume 2, Issue 12

The 12th Can and Addressing Food Insecurity

Statistics to Know

Definitions to Know

August 2019 Volume 2, Issue 11

Make Move-In Sustainable

Sustainable Moving Tips

Sustainable Items

Cardboard Corral

Contact ResLife Sustainability

Events in August *

July 2019 Volume 2, Issue 10

How to Use VeoRide

How Much Does VeoRide Cost?

VeoRide by the Numbers

Contact Alternate Transportation

Contact ResLife Sustainability

Events in July *

June 2019 Volume 2, Issue 2

TRACS Annual Conference

Contact TRACS

Contact ResLife Sustainability

Events in June *

Biographies of Partners

Contact Information

Partners

Sponsors

CURRENT RESIDENTS

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January 2020
Volume 3, Issue 4

December 2019
Volume 3, Issue 3

November 2019
Volume 3, Issue 2

October 2019
Volume 3, Issue 1

September 2019
Volume 2, Issue 12

The 12th Can and
Addressing Food Insecurity

August 2019
Volume 2, Issue 11

July 2019
Volume 2, Issue 10

June 2019
Volume 2, Issue 2