Happy New Year from the UF Office of Sustainability! We’ve put together this list of simple attainable New Year’s Resolutions for students, faculty and staff who are looking to make 2020 a more sustainable year!

1. Get outside more!

Did you know that there are 31 conservation areas on UF campus? 2020 is the year to take advantage of these opportunities to get outside and explore the native landscape! Learn more about how these conservation areas are helping maintain UF’s status as an Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary and more on the UF PDC website. Or follow our #GlimpseIntoGainesville hashtag on social media to find new areas to explore in and around Gainesville.

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2. Commit to bringing a reusable bottle or coffee mug

This year, commit to bringing a reusable bottle with you wherever you go and help reduce plastic waste on campus. Plus, if you join the Cupanion Fill It Forward program, you can win big rewards on campus, simply for refilling your reusable bottle! Starting in January 2020, Fill It Forward stickers can be found in 3 POD locations at the register for only $1.19 (free water bottle with purchase while supplies last).

Did you know that if you bring a reusable coffee mug to Starbucks on campus, you get 25 cents off your drink purchase? Plus, if you are using a Fill It Forward tag on your reusable mug, you can be earning those points as well!

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3. Choose to bike/bus/walk instead of drive

For 2020, consider replacing some trips when you would normally drive a car with a bike, bus or walking option. Choosing to bike/bus/walk isn’t just better for the environment, it can be more cost-effective and efficient! The RTS bus system is easy and free for students to use and there are a variety of programs to support cyclists on campus:

• Gator Go: Bikes – a new comprehensive program for customized advice and support for bike commuters
• Gator Gears Bike Rental for Students
• UF SG Bike Repair – located in the Reitz Union
• Departmental Bike Share for staff and faculty

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4. Eat less meat and more local!

Choosing veggie-based over meat-based meals once or a few times a week can reduce your carbon, water and environmental footprint! Try out meatless mondays or a weekday vegetarian diet to get started. Gator dining locations offer a variety of vegetarian/vegan options as well as locally-sourced fruits and vegetables that are healthy, nutritional and filling!

If you are interested in trying local seasonal vegetables, check out the Gator CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Program.

P.S. Did you know UF’s Chomp It is offering the Beyond Burger – a meat-alternative patty for meat-lovers! Have you tried it yet?

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5. Make your own #BeatWaste Kit

In 2020, up your reusable game and help UF reduce single-use plastics! Design your own Zero-Waste kit to avoid single-use plastics while you are out and about on campus. Check out this guide from Urban Farm U that covers the essentials of an easy and affordable zero-waste kit. You can find more zero-waste tips and solutions with Zero Waste Gainesville.

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6. Go for more local goods, services & food

Gainesville is an amazing place to find local fruits & vegetables as well as locally made products and locally-owned businesses! Go for more local options in 2020 and you’ll be reducing your environmental footprint and supporting our local economy. Wondering where to start? Try stopping by the Union Street Farmer’s Market at Bo Diddley Plaza from 4 to 7pm on Wednesdays. (Don’t forget to bring your reusable bag!)

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7. Volunteer to take action

Getting involved with hands-on activities is a great way to promote sustainability on campus. Sustainable UF offers a few regular volunteer opportunities through out the year including the #GatorsBEATWaste Station, Green & Cleans, TailGator Recycling and more. If you are interested in learning more, we encourage you to sign up for Sustainable UF’s E-newslettter for monthly updates on sustainability-related events, volunteer opportunities and more on campus!