Frequently Asked Questions

We get a lot of questions from interested students and staff regarding recycling and waste; this page reflects many of the most common Qs.

Students and staff are our eyes and ears on campus—we’re always looking for your feedback, comments, and concerns. If there is something you would like to see addressed on this page, email us!

Q: So what exactly is “sustainability”?

At the most basic level, being sustainable means meeting the basic needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Daily lifestyle and consumption choices have a big impact on environmental quality. Preventing waste, eating organically, and conserving energy are just a few of the ways we can contribute to a long-lasting environment.

Q: As an ambassador for saving the planet, doesn’t it bother you that many products—including food and retail items—are packaged in plastic?

Yes, but the good news is that many companies are phasing out or reducing their excessive plastic packaging. Many retailers now use biodegradable materials made from corn, which doesn’t emit the gases that contribute to global warming. In fall 2008, UC San Diego Dining Services stopped offering many take-away containers, opting instead to use a drop-off program for perma-dishware. The few remaining take-away items (cups, for example) are now compostable.

Q: How does eating organic or using organic products help?

Organic foods have more vitamins and taste better, and they also sustain the environment– foods grown according to organic principles are free from exposure to harmful herbicides and pesticides. Dining Services restaurants offer organic meals and snacks, and all offer Fair Trade Coffee and only cage-free eggs. Or take advantage of shopping San Diego's many organic farms and shops!

Q: Where can I find organic meals or products on campus?

The best place to start looking for these types of products is in your local Dining Services (DS) restaurant or Retail Market—and you can use your Dining Dollars! DS is committed to buying locally when possible and their locations offer several organic and vegan meals daily. DS retail markets, especially Roger’s Place and Earl’s Place, offer a variety of organic foods and beauty items. The UCSD Bookstore is also a great resource (they don’t take Dining Dollars, but they will accept Triton Cash).

Q: I want to help the environment, but my small daily efforts seem futile. Are they?

No! When in doubt, always remember the 3 R's: Reduce, Re-use, and Recycle.

Reduce: The most important principle of sustainability: Take only what you need. Use "real" dishes instead of paper or plastic, or Tupperware instead of plastic baggies. Use the refillable bottle and reusable shopping bags.

Re-Use: Use old paper for notes or doodles. Refill soap & detergent bottles from bulk containers. Be creative– use soup cans for penholders, flatten and save boxes for move-out, make collages out of magazines, use the newspaper’s comic page to wrap gifts, etc.

Recycle: When you can't reduce or re-use, recycle (instead of trashing). Use recycling bins for glass, plastic, mixed paper, cardboard, and more. Recycle your batteries or electronics at your ResLife office. For more information, contact UCSD Environmental Management at 858.534.2753 or visit our What You Can Do page.

Small efforts make BIG changes, so keep up the good work!

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