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Office of Sustainability

We lead the way to reduce our environmental impact at Illinois State.

What is Sustainability?

Sustainability is a practice in which we consider the implications of our individual and collective actions; the interconnectivity among people and ecosystems coexisting within communities and across the globe; and a vision for an equitable and thriving planet for generations to come.

At Illinois State, putting sustainability into practice means:

  • fostering a culture of sustainability through leadership, commitments, engagement, and traditions
  • finding solutions through diverse, interdisciplinary collaboration, teaching, research, and innovation
  • integrating accessible environmental stewardship into campus operations
View the Illinois State University Sustainability Strategic Plan

Explore Sustainability at Illinois State

There are a lot of people working hard to make our campus green. Learn about our initiatives and how you can participate.

  • Zero Waste

    We're pursuing Zero Waste in all corners of campus.

  • Shop

    Shop sustainability with one of our reusable, environmentally-friendly made products.

  • Food and Events

    Sustainability has a strong presence in our dining centers and at campus events.


See all sustainability initiatives

Play an Active Role

From joining a group to changing behavior, there are lots of ways you can make sustainability part of your daily routine.

  • Compostable cups.

    Composting

    Learn about the compost kiosks on our campus.

  • Secondhand items on the shelves of the Share Shop.

    Share Shop

    Shop at ISU’s free secondhand store.

  • Reggie walks a bike on the quad.

    Bike ISU

    Find all the info and resources you need about biking.


View all engagement opportunities

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Fully Committed

We don't just talk about sustainability at Illinois State. We make it part of our lives and the campus culture.

See how we're ensuring a stable future

University Sustainability Memberships and Designations

    • The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education logo
    • Illinois Food Scrap & Composting Coalition logo
    • Illinois Recycling Foundation logo
    • Tree Campus Higher Education Logo. An Arbor Day Foundation Program.
    • United States Green Building Council Logo.
    • ISU Green Workplace Certification

Campus Green Map

Find sustainability resources across campus.

View the map
A rental bike sits in a bike rack.

Support Sustainability

Donations made to the Office of Sustainability supports and advances environmental stewardship and
sustainability programs across our campus.

Giving to Sustainability