Reduce, Reuse, Rethink, Re-buy
The University of Florida has set a goal of Zero Waste by 2015. Perhaps, the most important key to achieving this goal is waste reduction. This means re-evaluating our needs and our purchases to ensure we are not generating more waste than necessary. We can consider the full life of products before we purchase; many products will not be able to be repaired, recycled or repurposed., We all need to think about closing the loop and eliminating waste by reusing and sharing goods as much as possible. Finally, when we make purchases, we can purchase products containing recycled material thereby creating markets for such materials.
Here are just a few of the many ways to reduce, reuse, and rethink your waste:
- UF Surplus Property reduces the unnecessary purchase of electronic equipment and other goods, such as office furniture, by making unwanted, but still useable materials available from the Surplus Warehouse. To take advantage of this service, visit http://www.surplus.ufl.edu/available/
- The UF Purchasing Department now has a Sustainable Purchasing Directive to help you evaluate your goods and services.
- Donate It. If you have an item that are not managed by Asset Management/Surplus Property, consider donating it to a local charity , such as Tools for Schools. And, if you aren’t sure what to do with it, download the City of Gainesville’s Recycling Resource with an A-Z guide on where to donate or recycle almost any unwanted item here.
- Try a reusable mug, cup, or bottle for your favorite drink. Gator Dining Services now offers a reusable cup for beverages. With the purchase of this cup, you get a discount on all refills. http://www.bsd.ufl.edu/dining/sustainability.asp
