Green Move-In
All the tips you need for a sustainable move to campus.
Greener Packing List
Reduce your environmental impact when you move in or out and while living on campus.
Bring only what you need. Coordinate with roommates to avoid unnecessary purchases. What can you bring that you already have? If you do need to buy, try shopping at secondhand shops and thrift stores. We also recommend packing in reusable containers, such as bedding bags, storage containers, and crates. Students and families are encouraged to secure bins and supplies with reusable bungie cords or a fitted bed sheet, rather than single-use, non-recyclable plastic wrap.
Here's our green packing list for living a sustainable lifestyle at Illinois State.
Greener Packing List Tips
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Reusables
Water bottles and coffee mugs: Illinois State has almost 100 water bottle refill stations across campus with healthy and safe drinking water. There is no need to bring cases of single-use plastic water bottles to campus! Campus Dining Centers have reduced waste by eliminating single-use to-go cups. Students may bring in their own drink container to fill and reuse. Many local vendors and coffee shops also offer a discount when you bring your own cup.
Shopping bags: Single-use plastic bags are detrimental to our planet. Bring your own reusable cloth bags to shop.
Utensils, containers, and straws: Single-use plastic forks, spoons, plates, and straws are not recyclable and don't break down in a landfill. Bring your own reusables instead.
Coffee pods: If you're bringing a Keurig or similar coffee maker to campus, choose a reusable coffee pod to fill them with your favorite coffees or teas. Single-use plastic pods are not recyclable.
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Rechargeable Batteries
Charge batteries for your game controllers and other electronics instead of buying new each time.
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Smart Power Strip
Smart power strips have "always on" outlets for items like internet routers, a "control" outlet for devices such as a computer or TV, with secondary outlets connected to it such as printers, speakers, gaming consoles, etc. When the "control" item is turned off, the plug strip cuts power to the secondary devices, but power to the "always on" device keeps running. Smart power strips help to reduce standby electricity consumption.
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Bicycle, Helmet, Bike Lock, and Light
Save money, the environment, and get some exercise by riding your bike to class. If you don't have a bike, you can check one out for free at the Student Fitness Center. Learn more at Bike ISU
You can also ride Bloomington-Normal's bus system for free Monday-Saturday. Just show your Illinois State University ID. Learn more about Connect Transit
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Energy Star and LED Lights
Look for the Energy Star seal with any electronics or small appliances to ensure a higher amount of energy efficiency. Choose LED for the same reason.
Shop the Front Yard Free Cycle
This annual two-day event is hosted by the Office of Sustainability and takes place each year during Welcome Week every fall. Items collected during Move-Out are spread out on the lawn of the Office of Sustainability for incoming students to take for free. Dorm room essentials, mini fridges, futons, bedding, small furniture items, rugs, lamps, Redbird apparel, shoes, and more!
Attend the Front Yard Free Cycle