Eco-Pledge

This year we are asking every member of the Lesley community to make a commitment to at least FIVE sustainable practices. We've publised a list of some individual habits, practices or actions that may pertain to either your living space, work space or both -- specific and attainable habits that can reduce your individual carbon footprint and the university's.

Take your pledge online NOW!

Live link to the Eco-Pledge 2011/2012 

 

ENERGY CONSERVATION - Technology 

I pledge to...

  • Set my computer to go into "sleep mode" or "power off" completely when anticipating time away for more than 20 minutes.
  • Buy or request ENERGYSTAR equipment for my office space/living space when and where applicable.
  • Update my present electrical devices (computer, MP3 player, cell phone, etc.) or buy used, to cut down on manufacturing and E-waste.  

ENERGY CONSERVATION -Daily Living
I pledge to...

  • Keep my thermostat set to an average degree of 68 in the winter and 76 in the summer.
  • Close my blinds/shades and drapes on hot summer days and cold winter days to help naturally insulate my living/work space.
  • Wash my clothes in warm or cold water and hang laundry to air dry instead of using a dryer.
  • Take the stairs, not the elevator.
  • Utilize natural sunlight by turning off interior lighting, when appropriate.
  • Turn the lights out if I am the last one leaving a space or the room is vacant.  

WATER CONSERVATION
I pledge to...

  • Turn off the water while brushing teeth, washing my face, shaving, hand washing dishes, etc.
  • Be conscious of turning off the water while shaving/soaping up in the shower in an effort to use less water overall during the shower.
  • Report leaking faucets or areas that are too hot or too cold, by following proper maintenance reporting procedures via School Dude.
  • Do full loads of laundry vs a multitude of smaller loads in the effort to conserve water.  

WASTE MINIMIZATION - Technology
I pledge to...

  • Use sustainable practices when printing documents, emails or information off of the internet
  • Properly recycle ink cartridges in the correct locations. Lesley collects and recycles all ink toners and cartridges through Funding Factory (see lesley.edu/green for info) or you can drop them off at your local Staples.
  • Properly recycle my cell phones and accessories, plus alkaline and lithium batteries in the designated drop boxes (3rd floor UHall near the cafe & 1st floor of the Student Center - coming soon to AIB & Brattle!)
  • Recycle my home technology (computers, printers, monitors, televisions, smoke detectors. etc) with the Lesley hosted Technology Drives throughout the year. Or recycle through your city or town. 

WASTE MINIMIZATION - General
I pledge to...

  • Compost my food waste along with other compostable materials in the dining halls and cafes. Please note: the Student Center is now accepting all food waste plus compostable service-ware items.
  • Recycle all plastics (#1-#7), glass, aluminum, tin and steel containers, along with paper, newspaper and junk mail into our "Zero Sort" recycling containers throughout campus, while reminding my co-workers to do the same.
  • Choose durable, reusable products over "single use" or disposable products; such as a reusable mug.
  • Use canvas or other reusable bags for shopping.
  • Re-purpose or donate a gently used unwanted items rather than trashing it.
  • Drink tap water vs bottled water. 

FOOD
I pledge to...

  • Take only the amount I will eat when dining in the cafeterias.
  • Compost all of my food waste properly (where applicable throughout campus).
  • Shop locally and buy organic when available.
  • Eat one more vegetarian meal a week than I do now.
  • Eat one less red meat meal a week than I do now.  

TRANSPORTATION
I pledge to...

  • Use public transportation as often as possible, when the destination is appropriate.
  • Participate in Walk/Ride Days (created by Green Streets Initiative) gogreenstreets.org.
  • Condense and combine my errands to reduce my vehicle usage.
  • Ride-share.
  • Use the LUGLY Bike Share.
  • Walk more frequently to my destinations. 

GREEN CLEANING PRODUCTS
I pledge to...

  • Use green cleaning products that are less toxic and not made out of petroleum products.
  • Dispose of my cleaning products appropriately.
  • Make my own cleaning products out of nature's items; lemons, vinegar, baking soda, soap nuts, etc  

HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL MATERIAL WASTE (Part One)
I am a faculty member who teaches in a science lab or an art/photography class that uses micro-amounts of hazardous demonstration materials and hazardous chemicals.
OR
I am a student enrolled at the University that uses micro-amounts of hazardous demonstration materials and hazardous chemicals.

  • Yes
  • No (N/A) Jump to Q12 

HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL MATERIAL WASTE (Part Two)
If Yes, I pledge to...

Continue to use micro-amounts of demonstration materials and hazardous chemicals related to the science and arts in a safe and environmentally friendly manner, while following the process for use and disposal plus identifying any areas for improvement.
JOIN IN! Tell others about this sustainability pledge and get involved! Email green@lesley.edu

  1. Join the Sustainability Taskforce
  2. Become an Eco Rep. (Be the eyes and ears for the Sustainability Taskforce on the promotion of recycling, energy conservation, water conservation etc)
  3. Commit to being involved in an informal fashion.
  4. Advocate sustainable practices to my family and friends
  5. Do you have any other sustainable ideas/suggestions for Lesley University to consider? Please email green@lesley.edu.