Tired of making New Year’s resolutions that you can’t commit to? Check out these easy, sustainable New Year’s resolutions that will increase your wallet size and not your waist size. Who knows, you’ll probably be surprised at how many of these you have already committed to.
1) Ditch disposable water bottles and coffee cups!
York has numerous hydration stations where you can refill your water canteens, and all of York’s coffee vendors accept re-usable mugs! Some vendors even give a 10% discount, and if you go to the HNES building you can fill your mug for $1 with sustainable, fair trade coffee provided by the Las Nubes Student Association (Monday – Thursday; 10am-2pm). You can even fill up your water canteen in the same spot!
2) Use public transit, York shuttle buses, GoSafe, Zip Car or Smart Commute services at York!
Around 2,000 buses visit York every day to fit your public transport needs. Moreover numerous shuttle buses are offered between Keele and Glendon campus as well as the GO Station, and within the campus and Village. The campus has numerous accessible bicycle lanes, and other alternative transportation methods like carpooling. You can even rent a Zip Car for the day at an affordable price.
3) Indulge in produce, cooked and frozen meals, organic, gluten-free, and vegan products at YUM – the York University Market!
Every Thursday from 12-4, there is a farmer’s market on the main floor of the TEL building. Vendors include the Crown Valley Bakery, Albion Hills, Highmark Farms, Black Creek Community Farms, Las Nubes, Healing Spring Nutrition, Vegan Delight, Berger’s Bakery, Melvin (Mr. Spinners), Kaya’s Tea, Uncle Jack’s Pies, Peter Piper’s and Eli’s Body Shop.
4) Take a pledge!
On our “What you can do – Sustainability Pledges” page you can find purchasing, energy, waste, transportation and change pledges you can take! These non-audited pledges advise you on simple changes you can make to reduce your ecological footprint, like turning off un-used lights, taking the stairs, and donating unwanted items. www.yorku.ca/sustainability/pledges
5) Opt for food vendors that offer non-disposable dinnerware and cutlery.
The Underground Restaurant, the Absinthe, the Orange Snail, Cucinetta Italian Café, Falafel Hut, Indian Flavor, Sakura Japanese Restaurant, the cafeterias and the newly opened Shopsy all offer to provide your meals on washable and reusable dinnerware.
6) Volunteer with one of York’s student environmental organizations.
York has numerous environmental organizations including: Eco Team, Las Nubes Student Association, Food Rescue Action, Glendon Roots and Shoots, Maloca Community Garden, Regenisis, Students Towards Environmental Protection, Toxic Free Beauty, The Biodiversity Clubs, Undercurrents Journal, UNITY, Veg*n Environmentalist Group and YU Solar
Already a member of a non-environmental student organization?
Encourage your organization to become a Green Club and apply to be a Green Office.
7) Spend more time outdoors!
York has many woodlots, the Stong Pond, and many green spaces and urban animals for you to explore! The Biodiversity Club meetings frequently and hosts nature walks around campus for you to learn about all of this!
8) Reduce your waste!
The University has numerous tri-bins where you can recycle or dispose of your waste. Check out the Zero Waste website or our Facebook page to learn exactly what goes in each bin!
9) Host sustainable events throughout the year!
As shown on our website, there are many simple changes you can make (or that you are already doing) to make your events, parties and meetings more sustainable. They include using re-usable decorations and dinnerware, buying organic and fair trade products, turning off unnecessary lights and making sure the location is easily accessible for everyone!
10) Attend a sustainability themed event!
York Sustainability is [co]-hosting many events this semester including the Green Clubs Fair, Fair Trade Fair, Water Day, Earth Day, Sweater Day, Sustainable Valentine’s Day and many more! Check out our Facebook page or the Faculty of Environmental Studies website for more information!
For more information check out:
- YorkU Sustainability’s Website: http://www.yorku.ca/sustainability
- YorkU Sustainability’s Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/york.university.sustainability
Or e-mail us at:
- sustainability.yorku@gmail.com
