Columbia University
OP-T2-42: Move-In Waste Reduction

Upon moving in, all tenants receive orientation on what and how recycle all household items in including where and how to recycle cardboard. For furnished apartments, new tenants are given a list of items that they come with so know what they don’t need to purchase beforehand and can reduce their consumption. All new incoming undergraduate residential students receive information on environmental sustainability in their first moments on campus. When students arrive, they receive a free made in NYC, BPA-free recyclable at end of life water bottle to use around campus instead of purchasing bottled water. In addition, Housing sends out an orientation e-mail to all new students that includes a link to the Guide to Green Living, which is a valuable tool written by EcoReps with the intention of informing students on how to move-in and live sustainably on campus. All first year undergraduate students also receive a CFL lightbulb to use in their residence hall rooms. At the beginning of the academic year, the undergraduate EcoReps host a used goods Green Sale, where they sell lightly used room furnishings and other household and office goods – most of which are donations from the Give + Go Green move-out event at the end of the school year. Additional information: EcoReps Re-Use Move-In Sale http://www.facebook.com/events/436938436349484/ Columbia Guide to Green Living: http://housingservices.columbia.edu/files/housingservices/other/green_living.pdf