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Sustainability
Student activists holding a sign saying 'Caution Climate Emergency'.

Engage

Do your part to reduce your carbon footprint, eliminate waste, and make the planet a better place.

On Campus Sustainability Opportunities

We're making it easy to incorporate sustainability into your daily routine at Illinois State.

  • A paper grocery bag overflowing with a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits colorful produce.

    Redbird Fresh Market

    Open to all students, this farm to campus program offers low-cost, high-quality fruits and vegetables once a week for eight weeks.

    Sign up for a weekly bag of fresh produce!

  • A table with several cups. The message on the cups reads, 'Will it go round in circles? 100% renewable and compostable. ECO products'.

    Composting

    Turn your scraps into something useful for the environment.

    Discover composting at Illinois State

  • Two students mending clothing.

    Fix It Friday

    Save your clothes from the landfill. We can make small repairs that help your favorite clothes last longer.

    View the schedule

  • Students facing a mountain view.

    ISU Sustainable City Tours

    First-hand global experiences to see sustainability in action

    Learn about Sustainable Tours

  • Two 'Pass it On' drop off bins.

    Pass It On

    Donate the things you no longer need to someone who does.

    Learn how it works

  • Students moving bags of branches.

    Work With Us

    See what a career in sustainability might look like and make an impact at Illinois State. Our office offers a variety of professional practice opportunities.

    Check out open positions

  • Students talking over an herb garden.

    Rolling Gardens

    Do something a little different in the classroom by adding plants to your curriculum.

    Reserve a mobile garden

  • Reggie's watering hole water dispenser.

    Reggie's Watering Hole

    Add clean and safe drinking water to your next event.

    Book a portable water station

  • The Share Shop goods

    The Share Shop

    Stop by for free items like clothing and household items.

    Redbirds Reuse

  • Student moving in with a bag of goodies

    Green Move-In

    All the tips you need for a sustainable move to campus.

    What to pack

  • water bottles

    Shop ISU Sustainability

    Demonstrate your passion for a sustainable ISU with one of our reusable, environmentally-friendly made products.

    Shop Sustainability

  • Reggie walks a bike on the quad.

    Bike ISU

    Your hub for everything bike-related on campus.

    Explore Biking

Better Together

Get active with one of the many groups on campus dedicated to sustainability or pick up a book to learn more.

  • Students collecting recycling.

    Registered Student Organizations

    Join other Redbirds who share your passion for all things sustainability.

    Find Your Community on Redbird Life

  • Stack of Sustainability Books with Plant

    Sustainability Reading List

    The right book in the right hands at the right time can change the world. Follow the Office of Sustainability on Goodreads to check out some of our favorite books about topics such as environmental justice, fast-fashion, zero waste, climate activism, and sustainable living. We also have book suggestions for children and young adults.

    Follow us on Goodreads

  • Green Team logo

    Green Team

    This group of faculty and staff serve as an advisory board to the Office of Sustainability. They work collectively and in collaboration to promote environmentally, socially, and economically friendly practices within their unit and across campus.

    Email us to learn more and be part of the task force

Community Resources

Bloomington-Normal is home to a variety of organizations dedicated to helping the entire community live a more sustainable life. Take advantage of their programs, resources, and volunteer opportunities.

General Resources

  • Ecology Action Center

    A central resource for environmental education, information, outreach, and technical assistance in McLean County, Illinois

  • West Bloomington Revitalization Project

    This organization focuses on economic development, safety, housing, youth, and education in west Bloomington. It offers numerous programs you can take advantage of including a tool library, veggie oasis, and a bike co-op.

Food Resources

  • School Street Food Pantry

    Get access to essential food and supplies. The pantry is available to any student experiencing food insecurity.

  • Food Refuge Forest

    The Food Forest includes organically grown edible plants that mimic the ecosystems. The space is open to the public and you can pick produce for free.

  • Community Gardens

    If you want to grow your own food but you're short on space, the Town of Normal offers two gardens for use.

  • Downtown Bloomington Farmer's Market

    Support local produce and farmers.

Recycling Resources

  • Off Campus Recycling

    You don't have to live on campus to recycle. The Town of Normal offers various ways and locations to recycle your materials, including electronics.

  • Really Really Free Market

    Donate items you no longer need and take what you do need.

Transportation

  • Connect Transit

    Reduce your carbon footprint while saving money on parking and gas. All Illinois State students, faculty, and staff can ride Bloomington-Normal bus system for free.

  • Constitution Trail

    Bloomington-Normal is home to a paved bike trail that covers many miles and reaches several areas around campus and the community.