One of UW-Stevens Point’s core values is sustainability. We are dedicated to meeting today’s needs without compromising future generations through our sustainable practices. We have completely transitioned to 100% renewable electricity on campus. UWSP has been named a Silver Bicycle Friendly University for 2023-27 by the League of American Bicyclists. UWSP is also the first UW school to get certified as a Bee Campus USA School.
We even integrate the value of sustainability within our academic programs! Our general education degree requirements promote cultural and environmental awareness and responsibility. We provide support to students to develop research, projects and ideas to advance sustainable technologies and practices.
However, reducing our ecological footprint is a team effort and we can’t do it alone. We strongly encourage students to develop sustainable practices for their time here and for their future! Here are seven ways you can practice sustainability:
- Walk or Ride a Bike
- By walking or riding a bike to your destination, you’re both reducing air pollution and getting a good workout! Stevens Point has been recognized as a Walk-Friendly Community. You can do your part to be sustainable by choosing to walk or ride a bike over driving a car.
- Ride the Bus
- If your destination is a bit too far out of walking or biking distance, catch a ride on the city bus! At UWSP, students ride the city bus for FREE with their student ID. One of the bus routes stops every half hour at various points on campus, so you’re sure to catch the bus!
- Recycle
- Across campus, there are numerous recycling containers for items like paper, plastic, aluminum, and cardboard. Instead of throwing everything in the trash, try to be mindful and recycle your waste accordingly!
- Compost
- Residential Living runs a composting program where residents collect and deposit food waste material in composting bins which can be found in each residence hall. Items like eggshells, most fruits and vegetable scraps, and coffee grounds can be composted to help create nutrient-rich soil used by UWSP.
- Utilize Campus Resources
- At UWSP, we have multiple resources on campus that can help you lessen your carbon footprint. The Closet is a student-led resource that houses gently used items ranging from casual to professional clothing. The Backpack is another resource that offers school and home supplies, along with hygiene products to students at no charge. So, if you have any items of clothing, extra school supplies, or some kitchen utensils you’re not using anymore, bring them to The Closet or The Backpack!
- Use a reusable water bottle
- Did you know that a reusable water bottle is roughly equal to 156 plastic bottles per year? Not only will you reduce your plastic use, but you’ll also save some money by reusing the same water bottle for your ice-cold water! UWSP has installed many water filling stations across campus to better accommodate those with their own bottles!
- Get Involved
- There are several organizations at UWSP that focus their efforts on sustainability both on campus and in the community. Find the right organization for you on SPIN!
