Sustainability is so important, as it shapes how we live, work, and care for our planet. SIU offers a Sustainability office on the 2nd floor of the Student Center as well as a free thrift store. Keep reading to learn more about these places and how to help!
Sustainability Office
The Sustainability Office at SIU brings together students, faculty, and staff to create eco-friendly solutions across campus life, academics, and operations. Their focus areas include the Sustainability Council, recycling on campus, the Saluki Food Pantry located on the lower level of the Student Center, workshops such as creating seed bombs which are balls of clay, soil, and seeds that are used for planting, bottle cap recycling, and so much more! Apply to join the Sustainability Council if you are interested!
How to Help
There are many different ways that you can participate to help with sustainability on campus. You can join the Saluki Green Action Team which is made up of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of SIU who are committed to helping make our community more sustainable, starting with energy and water conservation. You can also apply for a Green Fund Grant if you have a sustainability project idea. Next, you could take a sustainability-related class. Additionally, explore recycling options and become an Environmental Ambassador. SIU offers a campus-wide recycling program for mixed recycling, paper, and ink/toner cartridges, cardboard, and batteries. These bins are labeled all throughout campus. Last, you can help by becoming a member of a registered student organization that values sustainability and volunteer in the Carbondale community.
Thrift Store
The Sustainability Office provides a thrift store as well. It is the perfect spot to drop off items you no longer need as well as pick up something useful for free! It is there to reduce waste, save usable items from the landfill, and help our Saluki community. Items that are not accepted include clothing, winter gear, baby gear, shoes, furniture, bedding, food & toiletries (shampoo/makeup), large electronics & broken appliances, and chemicals & large paint containers. Accepted items are Kitchen items, school & office supplies, books (including textbooks), sports equipment & games, small electronics, decor, DVDs/CDs, toys, and household items. The thrift store is located inside the Sustainability Office on the second floor of the Student Center, close to the International Lounge. They are open every Thursday and Friday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, so be sure to check it out and support sustainability!
Sustainability is something we all can be part of, no matter how big or small our actions are. With resources like the Sustainability Office and the free thrift store right here on campus, SIU makes it easy to get involved and make a difference. Whether you’re interested in joining a team, starting a project, or just finding new ways to reduce waste, there is always a place for you!
