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Here’s how you can take action and help the USC community develop and implement innovative solutions that will build a more sustainable society.

Looking for more ways to get involved? Find sustainability efforts like Events, Research Studies and more in USC’s Green Directory.

Start your journey with these four sustainable actions:

Zero Waste Zone signage and Multi-stream Bins.

1. Keep recyclable and compostable waste out of local landfills

Use three-stream waste diversion bins across the campus to sort your trash.

Demonstration of a touchless water refill station installed outdoors at the Village using a USC branded stainless steel water bottle.

2. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it at 200+ campus hydration stations. 

Help USC continue to keep plastic beverage bottles – over five million and counting – from entering the waste stream.  

3. Dine sustainably with reusable containers and a plant-based diet 

Use reusable take-out containers at USC Dining and enjoy plant-based meals.

A Metrolink train at a station.

4. Use public transportation

Green your commute and save money by joining fellow Trojans in enrolling in the Student U-Pass Program or Employee Transit Subsidy. 

A USC student logs onto the Supdate Slack workspace.

Get the Supdate

Join the Supdate Slack workspace to donate/swap items, learn about upcoming events, find jobs/internships and more.

Students talking in the USC Sustainability Hub.

Visit the Sustainability Hub in STU 101

Lounge, study, and connect with the campus sustainability community.

Students tabling at a sustainable event.

How to Make Your Event Zero Waste

Hosting green events is a great way for you to advance sustainability on campus. Little behavioral changes can add up to a big environmental impact!

A graphic from the Green Your Office page.

Green Your Office

From adjusting your office’s lighting to the types of office supplies you choose and use, there are many things you can do to make your office more sustainable.

USC students tailgating ahead of a game.

Green Tailgating

Help all Trojans win by making every game you attend a “Green Game!” These tips can help make your tailgates more sustainable.

The Climate Momentum Project logo.

Climate Momentum Project

The Climate Momentum Project is based upon a vision that through interdisciplinary leadership in storytelling, the arts, communication, and behavioral messaging, USC will help to catalyze people, organizations, and policymakers to adopt existing and future climate solutions. 

A shopping cart laying on grass.

Buy Green

Use the Sustainable Purchasing Guide for information on how to make environment-friendly purchasing decisions at USC.

After logging in via Shibboleth, click on Procurement & Strategic Sourcing in the main menu, then click on Sustainable Purchasing or Buying Green from the below list.

The Los Angeles skyline, image from the LA Green Business Program website.

LA Green Business Program

 Businesses enroll in this free program to save money on utilities and be part of the solution to the climate crisis. 

Waste Diversion bins

Waste Resources

Access resources for universal and e-waste materials, request a recycling bin or get information for battery recycling/disposal and toner/ink cartridge recycling.

An illustration of the Earth from the Office of Sustainability & WorkWell Center Sustainability Toolkit.

Sustainability Toolkit

All of the resources in this guide have been purposefully designed to address this commitment by encouraging individuals to put sustainable practices into action within their daily lives.