The Sustainability Pledge

By committing to do at least one action in each of the following categories, I am joining others to help create a more sustainable Xavier.

I pledge to reduce my energy use.

• Turn off lights and appliances when I'm not using them
• Unplug appliances that I don't often use
• Replace my regular light bulbs with compact fluorescents
• Change my thermostats a few degrees (down in the winter, up in the summer)
• Combine my errands to reduce car trips
• Take public transportation/walk/bike/carpool to campus at least one day a week
• Learn how to power my home with "Green" power—and do it

I pledge to reduce the waste I produce.

• Use scratch paper for notes and print/copy double-sided
• Take my own shopping bags to the grocery store
• Use my own water bottle and coffee mug every day
• Buy items in bulk and items with minimal packaging
• Recycle everything that I can and responsibly dispose of my electronic waste
• Sign up to receive all my bills online, rather than in the mail
• Sign up for the Directmail.com National Do Not Mail List
• Provide and encourage recycling at the events I plan (meetings/meals/parties)

I pledge to develop more sustainable habits.

• Eat vegetarian more often and reduce my consumption of meat and seafood
• Buy organic produce and visit the farmer's market near Xavier or my home
• Think twice about making a purchase—"Do I really need more stuff?"
• Buy products composed of organic and/or recycled material
• Use less water when I wash dishes/brush teeth, take shorter showers
• Support fair trade, shade grown and organic coffee
• Learn as much as I can about sustainability and teach others

I pledge to lead by example.