The Green Initiative @ ITS

As part of our Green Initiative, we’ve distributed a list of suggestions for reducing, reusing, and recycling resources:

Reduce:

• Turn off lights
• Turn off monitors
• Open shades to use natural light
• Use the stairs and save the elevator for moving equipment
• Don’t leave the refrigerator door open
• Run the dishwasher only with full loads
• Use networked multi-function devices for printing, copying, faxing, etc.
• Unplug electrical devices when not in use
• Buy “Energy Star” computer equipment
• Use software to run multiple operating systems on one device rather than using a separate device for each OS
• Bring locally grown fruit as a snack and avoid using pre-packaged snacks from vending machines.
• Print double-sided
• Use motion detecting power strips
• Configure systems for sustainability
• Avoid idling the engine when driving ITS vehicles
• Convert “paper” subscriptions to “electronic”
• Walk to off-site meetings, restaurants, etc.

Reuse:

• Bring your own coffee cup to work
• Donate, redeploy, or remarket used equipment
• Use rechargeable batteries
• Use scrap paper for making “to do lists”, taking notes, etc.

Recycle:

• Recycle paper, boxes, toner cartridges, plastic bottles, phone books, etc.
• Recycle equipment

In addition, Vanderbilt’s SPEAR (Students Promoting Environmental Awareness and Recycling) organization has donated water bottles to ITS so that we can offer our staff an alternative to using paper cups.  We have also ordered coffee mugs for each employee and will be distributing those soon.

Please continue to share your ideas for how we can reduce consumption while maintaining a high level of operational service to the Vanderbilt Community.  Thank you for your support!