SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Environmental stewardship initiatives within the Division of Student Life & Engagement are part of MSU's larger program and are focused on increasing awareness and driving behavior change with the ultimate goals of reducing greenhouse emissions, reducing energy consumption and conserving water.
There are many ways Spartans can reduce their carbon footprint. Check out the information below to help you be Spartan Green!
GET INVOLVED
Check out the MSU Sustainability website and learn about on-campus resources, tips and tricks, and ways to get involved.
SPARTANS RECYCLE
MSU has its own recycling plant and public drop-off center that offers an extensive recycling program throughout campus. There are recycling stations in each residence hall for all paper, plastic and glass. MSU’s recycling program helps divert over 5.5 million pounds of material from landfills each year. Check out the MSU Recycling Center website here.
If you live in one of the on-campus residence halls, there are recycling centers located in or near the lobby of each one. This center offers recycling bins for all recyclables in residence hall spaces, which Spartans are encouraged to use. For cardboard, there are designated receptacles outside residence halls.
Students in our residence halls may receive a recycling bag or bin to keep in their room to collect recyclable materials. If you receive one, we encourage you to use it and bring those materials down to the recycling stations when your bag or bin is full.
PROPERLY DISPOSING OF WASTE IN RESIDENCE HALLS
As of 2022, there are no longer any trash chutes in residence halls on campus. All trash must be disposed of in outdoor landfill bins. Each residence hall has designated bins outside of their residence hall to use as needed.
Each hall has at least one accessible landfill bin for individuals who may need it, with side access so waste does not have to be hoisted up into the landfill bin.
TRAYLESS DINING
All dining halls on MSU’s campus are now trayless. Trayless dining helps reduce food waste and water waste and saves energy.
PLASTIC BAG BAN
Campus retail locations such as Sparty’s, Sparty’s Market and Starbucks no longer use plastic bags. Remember to bring reusable bags if you’re planning to stock up at these locations. Some locations do offer recyclable paper bags.
ACCESSIBLE BIKE RACKS
Bike racks are conveniently located all around campus. While bikes must be registered, you can do this for free here. Riding a bike to class is a healthy choice and also reduces air pollution throughout campus.
ACCESS TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
The CATA on-campus bus service is free to all students. There are stops scattered throughout the campus and near each residence hall for students' convenience. Public transit reduces pollution.
ENERGY CONSERVATION
MSU’s goal is to uncover cleaner, more renewable energy sources and integrate leading practices into all operations. Students can conserve resources by taking shorter showers, turning off lights and unplugging appliances. Learn more about energy conservation here.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIVITY
Residence halls are within close proximity to the East Lansing community, providing residents with access to restaurants, fitness centers, medical facilities and other basic community services.
ECO REP PROGRAM
Become an Eco Representative and serve as an ambassador for sustainability! Eco Reps encourage environmentally responsible behaviors among peers through education and awareness-building activities.
Questions about Campus Sustainability?
Contact:
Carla Iansiti
Student Life and Engagement Sustainability Officer
517-884-0626
sustainability@rhs.msu.edu
