Go Green

ON THE MENU

Incorporate "meatless Mondays" into your life — a vegetarian diet can reduce water consumption by up to 50% per person (approx. 1,850 gallons of water are used to produce a single pound of beef)
Support your local farmers and head out to the farmers markets for organic, local produce and a cultural experience
Organic means health and safety, as well as livable wages for farm workers
Support local restaurants that incorporate sustainability into their practices
Visit the new dining facility The Garden at Cuicacalli Suites for healthy alternatives and ideas of how to prepare organic, environmentally friendly dishes on your own
Growing your own herbs. Herbs like rosemary, oregano, basil, and mint, are easy to grow at home. Doing so will make your kitchen and meals more sustainable and homegrown. With some research and water, you can grow your own herbs.
Zero waste food shopping. By bringing your own containers and cotton mesh bags to hold all of your non-prepackaged items, you reduce the need for excess plastic bags.

Bring reusable bags to the grocery store — if you forget, ask for plastic
If you need a reusable bag, contact asgreencomm@sdsu.edu
Support stores that promote sustainable business practices
Buy domestic goods
Stray from plastic. Opting for metal tins, paper packaging, or other sustainable packaging instead of plastic not only reduces your plastic consumption, but shows producers and others that plastic is not necessary.
Shop second hand. Whether shopping for clothes, decorations, everyday household items, or accessories, thrift and second-hand stores provide quality items at a cheaper price. Second-hand shops are in many areas, and are even accessible through the internet and apps on your smart devices.
Deny plastic! Buy plastic alternative products, such as Bamboo toothbrushes/plates/bowls, avocado utensils, silicone bags/straws, compostable trash bags, etc.
When it comes to waste, the best way to go green is to first reduce use of wasteful items. If you do have them, try to reuse the product as much as possible. When it is no longer useful, then recycle.

Recycle paper, aluminum, glass, plastic, and old electronics
Switch to LED bulbs and utilize natural lighting
Put a fan by the window instead of turning on your AC in the summer
Turn off all lights and electronics when not in use
Take 5-7 minute showers
Wash your clothes in a cold cycle
Plant native plants and keep them outside to prompt the ecology of your surrounding area.
Put bird seed feeders outside of your residence for the birds native to your area (make sure to avoid sugary or dried fruit) to support your local birds.
Compost your food scraps at home to naturally get rid of your waste. You don't need a large yard to compost, and you can learn how to properly do it in your environment here: HOW TO COMPOST AT HOME, ACCORDING TO EXPERTS