One Simple Act on Campus

Commit to being more sustainable.

It’s not hard...it’s simple.

The One Simple Act on Campus project invites you, the University of Alberta community, to make a personal commitment to make a change and help conserve our environment. Take a look below at some of the 20 commitments you can make related to waste, energy efficiency, sustainability and water. By committing to one simple act and encouraging others to do the same, you can make a huge impact on our environment. It can be as easy as turning off the lights or switching out your light bulbs. 

The One Simple Act program also celebrates students, staff and faculty that are already taking part in sustainable acts. The Caught in the Act program “catches” people already doing one of the 20 simple act commitments and rewards them with an incentive to continue. Check out Caught in the Act at the university in 2010/11.

Check out our Campus Toolkit for information and tips on how to help others adopt sustainable practices at the U of A.

Please note: We are partnering with the Government of Alberta's One Simple Act initiative. The University of Alberta is the first post-secondary institution to be identified as a partner in this program.

Make a commitment now.

Simple Acts

 

 

 

Waste

Energy Efficiency

Sustainability

Water

I will use reusable bags.

I will use campus recycling containers for paper, plastics, metals and glass.

I will take batteries, ink cartridges and cell phones to the appropriate drop-off locations for safe disposal.

I will practice the three Rs when I use paper (reduce, reuse and recycle). 

I will donate and/or buy gently used clothing and other items.

I will compost.

I will use reusable containers and/or cutlery for food and drinks.



I will switch off lights, power bars, and unplug electrical devices when not in use. 

I will strive to be idle-free while driving.

I will eat meat-free one day a week or more.

I will take sustainable transportation to school or work one day per week or more.

I will use green computing practices.

I will maintain my vehicle’s tire pressure.

I will buy more seasonal, local, organic and fair-trade food.

I will participate in a car-share or carpool program.

I will promote sustainable practices in my campus organization and/or workplace. 

I will get involved with a campus organization that focuses on sustainability.

I will include sustainability in my research, course selection and/or curriculum.

I will cut down on my water-use in the washroom and when doing laundry.

I will let the appropriate staff know about leaky taps, toilets and showers.

Resources

The Campus Toolkit provides you with information and tips on how to implement an engaging commitment program with your club or organization.

Inviting people to make a written and public commitment to change is one way of inspiring people to adopt a simple action. The following tools may be printed or ordered from the Office of Sustainability to support your initiative:

Backgrounders

Below are additional information resources in PDF format for each simple act to help participants understand the barriers and benefits of individual actions. To download all the resources click here.