By following these sustainable move-in and move-out tips, you can contribute to a cleaner, greener campus and make a positive impact on the environment.

• When transporting your belongings, try to carpool with friends or use public transportation if possible. 
• Consider sustainable moving services (e.g., companies that prioritize eco-friendly practices) when moving into or out of your room.
• Before leaving your campus housing, ensure that you leave the space clean and free of any personal belongings or trash. Follow any specific move-out instructions provided by GT Housing and Residence Life to ensure a smooth transition for the next occupants.

Whether you live on or off campus, your individual actions can have a positive impact on the environment and our well-being.

• Wash only full loads of laundry to save water, time, and money.
• Wash all your laundry in cold water.
• Choose clothing with natural fibers to avoid microplastics in our rivers and other water systems.
• Select sustainable laundry brands and buy in bulk where possible.
• Air dry your clothing when feasible.

By utilizing forms of public and zero-emission transportation, you can easily reduce your carbon footprint significantly. According to the EPA, in 2021, 29% of greenhouse gas emissions in the US were linked to transportation.

• Carpool: Carpool permits are available at a lower price than the annual parking pass.
• Drive less and pay as you go: SmartPark and the Flex Permit offer pay as you go parking options for those that drive infrequently and are great parings with biking and MARTA.
• Drive electric: Georgia Tech offers 40+ electric vehicle charging stations.

Tech Dining provides a delicious and sustainable dining experience by reducing their carbon foot print through sustainable operations and waste management, partnering with sustainability champions in the Atlanta community, and increasing the availability of local, plant-based, and ethically-produced offerings across campus. Whether you are enjoying a meal at one of Georgia Tech’s three all-you-care-to-eat dining halls, or picking up a meal to bring back to your dorm, you are invited to join us in making thoughtful, sustainable choices as you dine at Georgia Tech. 

• Follow Tech Dining on Instagram at @techdining to be the first to learn about upcoming sustainability events and new menu offerings.
• Support our food donation efforts by volunteering with Klemis Kitchen and the Campus Kitchen team.

Throughout campus you will see a variety of infrastructure to help you recycle, compost, and otherwise reduce the amount of materials the campus sends to landfills.  Take some time to familiarize yourself with accepted recycling steams, and look for great ways to donate and receive second-hand products. 

• Aluminum cans, cardboard, glass, office paper, and plastic bottles & containers can all be recycled on campus.
• Compost your food waste and compostable packaging outside your residence hall.
• Look for plastic film recycling and other hard-to-recycle options at the Campus Center or Kendeda Building.

Spending time in nature can help people reconnect with the world and appreciate its intrinsic value. It has been shown to be an effective way of reducing anxiety and increasing happiness, and is even recommended by doctors worldwide

• Take the Ride Smart class to learn more about bike commuting and get a free helmet.
• While outdoors, stay hydrated with a reusable water bottle.

Georgia Tech’s research initiatives in energy and sustainable infrastructure focus on a broad range of challenges involving energy production, conversion, and efficiency; water resource management; infrastructure development; and the issues associated with a changing climate. The Institute’s graduate and undergraduate student researchers collaborate with faculty members on energy and sustainable infrastructure research initiatives. Interested in a my green lab certification or participating in TipCycle? Check out our Green Labs page.

• Eat from a local plant-based restaurant 
• Join a sustainability-related network such as RCE Greater Atlanta and/or Global Growers Network. 
• Join an action-oriented organization such as the Georgia Climate Project. 
• Participate in one of the City of Atlanta’s Mayor’s Office of Resilience initiatives such as the Sustainability Ambassadors program. 
• Search for local Fresh Food Access Points such as farmers markets, farm stands, farms, neighborhood markets, and more on the AgLanta Fresh Food Access Map.
• Volunteer with a community-based non-profit organization such as Trees Atlanta and/or the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance. 

• Connect with the Office of Sustainability.
  • Join our email list.
  • Follow us on Instagram.
  • Participate in events such as Earth Month in April and SDG Week in March. 
  • Keep up with sustainable events through the OOS Events page and the GT Events calendar 
• Join the Eco-Reps. Georgia Tech’s EcoReps program supports Resident Advisors in promoting, teaching, and exemplifying sustainable practices to on-campus residents. Eco-Reps are empowered to plan events and create targeted campaigns to support the achievement of Institute level sustainability goals in residence halls.
• Join a sustainability-focused student organization. There are many student organizations at Georgia Tech focused on sustainability who actively work towards goals within all levels of sustainable practices. Group efforts on campus range from raising awareness and organizing accessible events, to the application of science, technology, engineering, and policy to service opportunities and grand challenges locally and abroad.
• Take a sustainability themed campus tour or of the Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design.