Help to Create a Wasteless Move-In!

Wasteless Move-In Tips

Pack Your Belongings. Leave the Packaging.

Move–In is one of the most exciting days of the year. It’s also one of the biggest waste-producing days on campus. By making a few simple choices, you can help reduce waste, keep your residence communities clean, and save time so you can focus on settling into your new home.

You can have a positive impact on your very first day! Here are some helpful tips to make your move-in simple and sustainable:

  • Pack smart. Use reusable bins, totes, suitcases, or laundry baskets instead of disposable packaging whenever possible. Soft items like blankets, pillows, and clothing are good alternatives to protecting items when packing as well.
  • Leave the packaging behind. Cardboard boxes, styrofoam, plastic wrap, and other packing materials quickly overwhelm residence spaces. Leaving disposable packaging at home means less time sorting waste and more time decorating your room.
  • Remove or reuse. If using disposable packaging is necessary, consider ways that it can be taken back home to be reused or recycled. Better yet, reuse old items instead of buying new ones!
  • Sort your waste correctly. Do you have some waste that can't be taken home? Ask a Move-In Volunteer or Sustainability Ambassador for help finding your building’s garbage room if needed.
  • Use the Waste Wizard. Search the Waste Wizard or download the app to quickly find out how to properly dispose of an item.
  • Arrive in one car. Know what is already in your room so you don’t overpack! Packing only what you need helps keep all your items in one vehicle, which reduces emissions and waste.

 

Support Sustainability Beyond Move-In Day

Your Queen’s University community is committed to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. As a student, you can make meaningful everyday choices that show you care. Here are some simple ways that you can make a difference: 

  • Bring personal reusable items. Pack a reusable water bottle and travel mug to avoid the $0.35 single-use cup fee at retail locations while helping to reduce waste.
  • Use your provided GOOD TO GO container. Bring your green GOOD TO GO carabiner to retail food locations to reduce single-use packaging waste and save the $0.75 single-use container fee.
  • Consider rental options: Reduce worry and waste by renting a fridge or buying bed and bath linens from Queen’s University partners. Check out the Move-In page for more information.
  • Be wise when washing laundry. Choose cold water whenever possible, air-dry smaller loads on a drying rack, and use dryer balls instead of sheets to help larger loads dry more efficiently.
  • Think more taste, less waste. Before filling your plate in the All-You-Care-To-Eat dining halls, take a moment to explore all the available options. Planning ahead can help you make the most of your meal and help reduce food waste – check out the weekly dining hall menu on the Today's Menu page before your visit. Start with a portion that feels right for you, knowing you can always go back for more.
  • Explore local locations. Online shopping creates significant amounts of packaging waste and emissions. Support local businesses by shopping locally; otherwise, combine deliveries for online orders whenever possible.
  • Consider and conserve water. Keep your showers short, turn off taps when not in use, and run machines when you have a full load of laundry.
  • Support energy saving. Turn off lights and electronics when you leave your room, close your curtains to help regulate temperature, and keep windows closed when heating or cooling is running.
  • Recycle right. Dispose of waste in the correct bins to avoid contamination. When you’re unsure where something belongs, use the Waste Wizard or ask a Residence staff member for assistance.

 

For more information on Queen’s University’s commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, please visit the Sustainable Queen’s webpage.