RHA Sustainability Coordinators

Residence Hall Sustainability Coordinators

Each residence hall at IUPUI has a Sustainability Coordinator, an elected student position within the Residence Hall Association (RHA).  The Sustainability Coordinators are responsible for delivering monthly sustainability programming to their residents, including participating in the IUPUI Energy Challenge. If you would like to learn more about becoming a Sustainability Coordinator for your residence hall, contact IUPUI Housing and Residence Life.

Sustainable Living Tips

  • Enlist natural light to brighten your space and avoid use of artificial lighting by opening blinds during the day. 
  • Bring lamps and use single desk lighting instead of overhead lights when possible.  Purchase LED bulbs for your lamps, which use 75% less energy and last 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb.  
  • Even when electronic devices are turned off, being plugged in or set to sleep mode still draws phantom energy. Purchase a smart power strip that automatically turns off the electrical current to your devices, conserving energy when not in use.  
  • Wash your clothes in cold water or use a drying rack to save energy and extend the life of your clothes.
  • If you have a printer in your room, share it with your roommate instead of each person having their own.
  • Understand how your heating and cooling system works and set temperatures that are comfortable.  It is easier to moderate your comfort with clothes than via the thermostat.  We recommend 68 degrees in the winter, and 72 in the summer.  
  • Take the stairs instead of the elevator.  Save energy and burns some calories!
  • If you don't need it, don't use the ADA button to open doors.  Every time the door stands open, it lets conditioned air out of the building.

  • Vote with your fork!  Choose seasonal, local, organic food whenever possible.  And shop at IUPUI's Fresh Produce Market to purchase produce grown right here on campus.
  • Eat lower on the food chain - more veggies than meat.  Have a Meatless Monday or try going vegetarian or vegan part time or full time.  
  • Only take what you'll eat to reduce food waste.
  • Trust your nose over expiration dates.
  • Grow produce in your residence hall.  Herbs and vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and greens are easy to grow inside.  Check out seeds at the University Library's Seed Library to get started.
  • Donate non-perishable food to Paw's Pantry for others in the IUPUI community to use.

  • Minimize how much 'stuff' you purchase.  Thinking twice will save you space, money, and the resources necessary to produce that product.
  • Furnish your room on a budget with thrift store decor.  
  • Choose reusable over disposable.  Reusable cups, water bottles, cutlery, straws, and bags greatly reduce the number of single use items we throw away and will save you money in the long run.
  • Visit Paw's Closet for new-to-you clothing instead of purchasing new.

  • Walk or bike between classes instead of driving.  Not only will it save you the hassle of finding parking, but it's healthier for you too!
    • IUPUI has over 100 bike racks, 3 repair stations, and an indoor bike storage facility
  • For longer commutes, use the JagLine, IUPUI's shuttle service, to get around campus.
  • Want to visit IU Bloomington?  Take the Campus Commute!  This shuttle runs between IUB and IUPUI four times per day.  Amenities include wifi, outlets, reclining seats, and an on-board bathroom. Tickets are only $12/person and must be reserved in advance.
  • Share a ride with a friend when traveling locally and beyond.
  • Get a car when you need it by renting one of the ZipCars or BlueIndy cars on campus.  

  • Reduce your waste by choosing reusable over disposable wherever possible.  For gatherings, use real plates, cups, and cutlery.
  • Sort recyclables from your waste and dispose of them in the recycle bins found in the common waste rooms in each residence hall.
  • Share, donate, or sell items you no longer need.  You can donate ununsed non-perishable food and clothing to Paw's Pantry and Paw's Closet.
  • Use real towels instead of paper towels.

  • Only wash full loads of laundry, and use cold water too.
  • Report leaks and maintenance problems when you see them.
  • Take shorters showers.  Can you challenge yourself to take a 5 minute shower or less?
  • Don't let the sink run while brushing your teeth or shaving.

Directory

Campus Resources

IUPUI Sustainability

IUPUI Sustainability
Lockefield Village, Room 4408
980 Indiana Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46202
sustindy@iupui.edu
317.278.1308