Sustainability Programs

Sustainability is a complex concept. The most often quoted definition comes from the UN World Commission of Environment and Development: "Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."  

RHA and Residence Life have taken the lead in making sure NDSU Residence Halls are proactive in this vital movement by coordinating the below:

Recycling

One of the best ways sustainability can be promoted is through recycling. It is an action that any NDSU student can take for both themselves and the campus to be more sustainable. The following list is items that NDSU students can easily recycle on campus.

• Cans
• Paper
• Plastics
• Cardboard

Glass cannot be recycled on campus, however, there are various locations in the Fargo-Moorhead area where students can properly dispose of glassware. These locations are listed on the City of Fargo Recycling webpage https://fargond.gov/solid-waste/residential-recycling/drop-sites.

Move-in Cardboard Collection

In a partnership with the City of Fargo and Minnkota, Residence Life collects cardboard throughout Move-in Weekend to ensure it is recycled and not thrown in the trash. In 2019, this program recycled 15,924 pounds of cardboard and threw away 686 pounds of non-recyclable material! 

Donate, Don't Dispose

The goal of this program is to reduce the amount students throw out at the end of the spring semester when they move out of their residence hall. Residence Life encourages students to bring gently used clothing, non-expired and non-perishable food items, and other unwanted belongings to a collection point where they are donated to community organizations.