Did you know President Folt set a Zero Waste by 2028 goal for the university? This means 90% of all campus waste will be reduced, reused, donated, recycled or composted instead of being sent to a landfill or incineration.
Tips & Actions
Reduce, reuse, recycle
This clever alliteration is the most important rule to consider when it comes to diverting materials from landfills.
- Reduce: First, reduce what you purchase. Before buying something think, 'do I really need that?'
- Reuse: Secondly, reuse what you have. Find a second life for something you would normally throw away.
- Recycle: Thirdly, if you do need to get rid of something, recycle it. Recycling reduces waste sent to landfills, saves energy, and conserves natural resources.
Familiarize yourself with recycling and composting practices on campus
Recycling and composting practices can vary from city to city and state to state. To learn more about composting and recycling, take a look at USC's recycling guidelines here.
Purchase reusable goods
Purchasing reusable goods like bags, water bottles, and flatware decreases the need for single-use items that will end up in a landfill. Prioritize buying items secondhand, which will save money and is better for the environment.
Share, donate, or sell
Have something that you no longer want but still has a usable life? Find someone else who can use it. Try some of these methods: Donate to a thrift shop, visit the flea market, check out social media group, or sell it online.
Keep your reusable bags in your car or backpack to make sure you never forget them while shopping!
