Green Gifts for the Holidays

Ideas for low-impact gifts this winter: Guide to Giving Green

Green Guide

Great source for sustainable living in Gainesville
Download the PDF here

Other Groups

Office of Sustainability- The hub of sustainability at UF.
Grist Magazine- The only people who can make global warming funny.

Recycling

Recycling is one of the simplest and most effective ways you can be more sustainable. If you live on campus, ask your RA about the nearest plastic, glass, and paper recycling locations. For recycling locations around campus, follow the links below.
Map of Outdoor Beverage Recycling Containers
Map of Outdoor Paper Recycling Containers
Classroom Building Paper Recycling Guide

Cut Your Carbon Emissions

Human-generated carbon dioxide comes from three main sources: power generation, transportation, and breathing. The last is tricky (you can only hold your breath for so long), but theres a lot you can do about the first two.

Where You Live

1. Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). One of these bulbs will prevent a half ton of carbon dioxide pollution over its lifetime, not to mention the energy savings.
2. Buy green power. If you get your power from GRU, you have an option to buy renewable energy for a monthly fee through the GRU Green program.
3. Buy energy efficient appliances. Energy Star certified products are available at most department stores.

What You Drive

1. Ride a bike to school.
2. Use the RTS bus service.
3. If you have the money, buy a hybrid car.
4. If you must drive to school, buy a TerraPass to offset your carbon emissions.

What You Eat

Your food choices not only affect your health, they influence the health of our environment. The way the food is grown, the way it gets to your plate, and everything in between can be made more sustainable. Try to eat local, organic, and vegetarian meals, with little packaging and processing. Read more.