Green @Work

Sustainability

Green Guides

East Tennessee State University strives to continue to expand our sustainability education by offering faculty and staff the opportunity to become more sustainable in the workplace

Click the titles below to find out how you can conserve our natural resources in your workplace or residence hall.

  • Energy Conservation
    • Use natural light when possible
    • Turn off the light when leaving a room
    • Unplug electronics when not in use
    • Use LED or CFL bulbs when possible
    • Have power settings on all monitors been set to sleep after 3 minutes of inactivity
    • Set thermostat to 69 degrees before leaving for an extended break
  • Water Conservation
    • Report any leaks to your building coordinator
    • Ensure water bottle refill stations are installed and work
  • Food and Events
    • Food & Catering
      • Choose caterers who use local ingredients
      • Submit a Work Order to request additional recycling bins and pickup
      • Use compostable, recyclable, or reusable plates and cutlery
      • Use Sodexo, ETSU's dining vendor 
    • Decor & Signage
      • Reuse decorations from previous events. Items like hurricane glasses can be repurposed and rethemed for various events. Purchase flowers from local businesses, and compost the flowers after the event is over. 
      • When creating single-use signs, print on recyclable materials
      • Avoid use of AI in promotional materials
    • Speakers & Entertainment
      • Avoid printouts. Use slides and videos. 
      • Choose speakers who prioritize sustainability, or who can speak on sustainability. 
    • Transportation
      • If guests must travel from one location to another, provide carpool transportation
      • Avoid parking on grass
    • Green Team
      • Designate a Green Team who can help select materials and clean up afterwards
  • Waste Reduction and Recycling
    • Avoid single use items (plates, silverware, coffee containers, cups etc.)
    • Avoid printing unless absolutely necessary. Print double-sided, and reuse old paper for scratch paper. 
    • Utilize recycling bins in your office and/or building
    • Submit a Work Order to dispose of E-waste (printer cartridges, batteries, light bulbs, etc.) 
  • Purchasing
    • When purchasing from Amazon:
      • Choose "Climate Pledge Friendly" items
      • Choose to ship in manufacturer's packaging
      • Choose a shipping date that allows all items to be delivered at once
    • Choose American-made or locally-made items.
    • Order from Certified B-Corps or other businesses that have published climate goals on their website. 
    • Recycle cardboard boxes 
  • Outdoor Spaces
    • Pick up and dispose of litter 
    • Avoid using plastic confetti for graduation photos. Use flower petals instead. 
    • Keep up with vehicle maintenance to ensure no fluid leaks, which can harm watersheds and landscaping
    • Ride bikes and scooters only on marked pathways
  • Residence Halls
    • Moving In/Out
      • Don't bring more than what you need
      • Shop secondhand
      • Dispose of cardboard in the recycling dumpsters
      • Donate unwanted items to the Free Store
    • While You're Here
      • Unplug appliances when not in use
      • Turn off lights before you leave
      • Set thermostat to 69 degrees before leaving for breaks
      • Conserve water by taking shorter showers and using a reusable water bottle
    • Reduce Waste
      • Buy only the groceries you need
      • Use reusable grocery bags
      • Use a reusable water bottle
      • Recycle when possible
      • Borrow clothes from friends or buy secondhand
    • Transportation
      • Carpool with friends when leaving campus
      • Walk or bike to class
      • Use public transport when possible
    • Academics
      • Volunteer or complete an internship with a sustainability-minded organization, such as a state park, nonprofit, club, or other civic group
      • Take a course with the Department of Geosciences or Appalachian Studies