Guide to Green Living

Hope College is committed to sustainability, and we want to support our students in their sustainability journey, too. Click the drop downs below to see a few tips on ways you can live more sustainably while on campus.

Residential Halls

Recycling/Composting

• Use the blue bins for recycling. (Here's a full list of what can be recycled.) It is really important to read the signs of each bin before tossing an item in. Improper or contaminated items can ruin the entire bag of recycling.
• Compost collection is available in the Bultman Student Center. Phelps Dining Hall also composts all food materials.
• Break down all of your boxes before taking them to be recycled.
• Avoid using single-use items such as straws and eating utensils, as these are considered some of the worst forms of plastic waste due to their low recyclability rate. Purchase a set of silverware that you can carry with you and wash and reuse.
• Buy larger containers instead of individually wrapped items and use your own reusable snack containers.
  
• Use the specially labeled bins in the basement of the Student Center (outside of room 002) for recycling items like markers/pens, snack and candy wrappers, batteries, and clean plastic films (i.e., plastic bags and bubble wrap).
• Purchase products made with recycled content.

Energy

• Plug your electronics into a power strip and turn it off when not in use.
• Turn off the lights when you leave a room.
• Keep your window locked and closed tight when the heat is on.
• Look for the EnergyStar label on all electronics and appliances (computers, TVs, and mini fridge).

Water

• Take shorter showers, or take a “power shower” where you don't have the water running for more than 5 minutes.
• Turn off the water when brushing your teeth.
• Use a reusable water bottle and fill it up at the drinking fountains.
• Only do laundry when you have a full load and make sure to wash in cold water as it saves energy and also helps your clothes last longer.

Other tips 

• Join a sustainability focused club and follow us on social media to learn about more tips, fun events and activities.
• Look for the "plant-based proteins" or "local" food options offered by Dining Services.
• Bring your Cupanion Cup and green-to-go clam shell when getting takeout from Phelps or Cook. Use your Cupanion Cup at Kletz Market or "Cup&Chaucer" and receive a discount on your beverage purchase.
• Be sure to unplug and enjoy time outdoors studying, hanging out with friends or just enjoying our beautiful campus.
• Get to know our campus trees! 
• Visit the local stores downtown rather than purchasing items online.
• Evaluate the products you buy: look for recycled content or organic/natural fibers. Thrifting is also a fun way to shop and find unique (and less expensive) clothing and accessories.
• Minimize the amount of "stuff" you bring to campus as each of those items uses a lot of energy and water when getting made, but also transporting them to and from campus uses a lot of energy as well.
• Donate, share or sell items you no longer need. Look for details at the end of the year for our annual "Donations of Hope" collection event.
• Contact sustainability@hope.edu and we'd love to help you explore other ways to go green!

Cottages/Apartments

Recycling/Composting

• Participate in the City of Holland blue and orange cart recycling program. Here's more information on what can be recycled.
• You can sign up to participate in the cottage/apartment composting program. Find details about the program.
• Purchase products made with recycled content.

Energy

• Plug your electronics into a power strip and turn it off when not in use.
• Air dry your clothes. 
• Keep the thermostat set at 68–69° and keep your windows locked and closed tight when the heat is on.
• Turn off the lights when there isn't anyone in the room (also double check that basement lights don't get left on).
• Look for the EnergyStar label on all electronics and appliances (computers, TVs, and light bulbs).

Water

• Take shorter showers, or take a “power shower” where you don't have the water running for more than 5 minutes.
• Turn off the water when brushing your teeth.
• Use a reusable water bottle and fill it up at the drinking fountains.
• Only do laundry when you have a full load and make sure to wash in cold water as it saves energy and also helps your clothes last longer.
• If you notice a leaky faucet/pipe be sure to submit a Physical Plant Work order and let staff know so we can send someone out to fix it. A small faucet drip can easily waste 20 gallons of water a day.

Other tips

• Join a sustainability focused club and follow us on social media to learn about more tips, fun events and activities.
• Walk or ride your bike to class instead of driving. 
• Pack your meals in reusable containers or eat in the dining hall. Use your Cupanion Cup at Kletz Market or "Cup&Chaucer" and receive a discount on your beverage purchase.
• Avoid using single use items such as straws and eating utensils, as these are considered some of the worst forms of plastic waste due to their low recyclability rate. Purchase a set of silverware that you can carry with you and wash and reuse.
• Buy larger containers instead of individually wrapped items and use your own reusable snack containers.
• Shop at the local stores or thrift stores.
• Visit the farmers market for fresh and local produce and other goodies.
• Start a container garden and try growing some of your own veggies.
• Donate, share or sell items you no longer need. Look for details at the end of the year for our annual "Donations of Hope" collection event.
• Contact sustainability@hope.edu and we'd love to help you explore other ways to go green!