As a commuter student at USD, you will have the opportunity to engage with the San Diego County community as well as the broader California and global communities. As members of these communities, we share a mutual responsibility to examine our individual and collective impacts on our communities and environment. Living off-campus will generate many opportunities for you adopt sustainable practices in the ways you use resources and manage waste. Below are just a few ways that you can lessen your environmental impact, but you can always learn more by visiting the Office of Sustainability online or on campus!
- Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs. Not only do these bulbs use less energy than incandescent bulbs, but they are also recyclable whereas incandescent bulbs are not.
- Stores like Home Depot and Ikea have free recycling programs for CFL bulbs.
- San Diego residents can take their recyclable bulbs to the Household Hazardous Waste Transfer Facility, which is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You must make an appointment by calling (858) 694-7000 between 6:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. The facility is located at the Miramar Landfill entrance on Convoy Street, just north of state Route 52.
- Turning off lights and electronics when nobody is in the room, will conserve energy, and cut down on your electricity bill.
- Use natural lighting whenever possible.
- Set the energy saving settings on all of your printers/copiers/computers.
- Many stores will charge you 10 cents per bag per California state law. To avoid extra costs when shopping and to reduce the amount of paper and plastic bags that you use, get a reusable bag! Many offices around campus give these away at events and programs!
- K-Cups and other similar pod-based coffees and teas are notorious for their negative environmental impacts. Whenever possible, buy recyclable K-Cups. You can find more information here.
- Invest in reusable water bottle and coffee/tea mugs. Not only will this allow you to use fewer paper cups and plastic lids, it will also keep your drink hot for longer!
- Remember that it is illegal in California to dispose of electronic devices in the garbage or normal recycling facilities. A list of approved recycling facilities for each type of waste can be found here.
- Working and non-working electronic devices may be acceptable for donation for reuse or repair. Call your favorite local thrift store, charity or non-profit for information regarding items accepted.
- Be sure to check out the City of San Diego Appliance, Electronics, and Universal Waste Recycling Guide.
- Most household electronics and appliances can be recycled at USD's Electronics Recycling Center on Linda Vista Road just down the hill from campus. Unfortunately, the Electronic Recycling Center is temporarily closed. However, here is a list of local E-Waste Centers in San Diego:
- Urban Corps of San Diego County
- 3127 Jefferson St. San Diego, CA 92110
- Phone: (619) 235-6884
- https://www.urbancorpssd.org/e-waste-recycling
- Drop-off Hours:
- Monday - Friday: 8AM - 3PM
- 1st Saturday of the Month: 9AM- 2PM
- EnviroGreen
- 3 Drop-Off Locations
- Phone: (858) 221-5162
- https://e-wastepickup.com/
- Drop-off Hours:
- Varies by Location
- Secure E-Waste Solutions
- Locations: Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Escondido, Imperial Beach, National City, Old Town, Pacific Beach, San Diego
- Phone and address depend on location
- https://www.sesrecycling.com
- Drop-off Hours:
- Varies by Location
- Miramar Recycling Center
- 5180 Convoy St. San Diego, CA 92111
- Phone: (858) 268-8971
- https://www.sandiego.gov/environmental-services/recycling/centers/miramarrecycle
- Drop-off Hours:
- Monday - Saturday: 7AM- 4PM
- Urban Corps of San Diego County
- Consider composting your food waste both on and off-campus!
- Be sure to check out the City of San Diego Residential Recycling Guide.
- Be sure to check out the City of San Diego Appliance, Electronics, and Universal Waste Recycling Guide.
- Carpool with a friend to campus. Not only will this cut down on CO2 emissions, but you will also be eligible to park in one of the carpool parking spots on campus if you arrive between 7am and 10am! Check the Office of Parking Services webpage for more info!
- Ride your bike to campus if it is reasonable both distance and safety-wise.
- Walk to campus if you live close enough.
- Consider taking the Trolley and/or Trams to get to and from campus. Visit our Transportation and Parking page for more information!
- USD offers sustainability-related courses in a variety of disciplines if you want to learn more about how your major can align with sustainability.
- If you work on-campus, talk to your supervisor about the Office of Sustainability's Green Office Program and what steps you can take to work toward a platinum certification.
- Consider applying for an internship or other student position with the Office of Sustainability.
- Join the Be Blue Go Green Student Organization to help with sustainability efforts across campus.
- Check out and get involved with the USD Community Garden!
- Check craigslist or facebook marketplace for free cardboard or plastic moving boxes and containers instead of buying new ones.
- After unpacking, offer your cardboard / plastic moving containers on craigslist for another person to use.
- Alternatively, recycle your cardboard, plastics, paper, and aluminum waste at your nearest recycling center.
- For small amounts and sizes of recycling, there are various recycling receptacles around campus.
- Donate furniture that you are getting rid of or list it on craigslist or facebook marketplace.