The Little Book of Green Nudges

CASE STUDY

University College Cork , Ireland, reduced the hassle of using reusable cups by installing cup washers on campus, then saw a 20 per cent increase in reusable cup use.

Make it harder to let taps and showers run

CASE STUDY

How? Install shower timers in halls of residence. Equip sinks with push-button taps that automatically turn off after 30 seconds.

The University of Winchester , UK, has made it easy for students to donate unwanted goods to local charities supporting homeless and vulnerable communities by providing “collection packs” at student accommodation, including donation bags and category stickers for sorting them. This “Bag It Up” campaign was started by the University Environment Team, the housing and cleaning staff, student representatives and the charities. It required collaboration with senior management, the housing department and the cleaners, whose work practices changed due to the scheme. Resistance to changed work practices could have been a barrier, but the cleaners were supportive once the organizers explained their intentions. The initial cost of the donation bags was offset by the savings from reduced waste disposal.

Who might be involved? University administrators, campus building managers

In university cafeterias, offer smaller plates and no trays

How? At buffet-style campus cafeterias, help prevent food waste by providing small plates rather than large ones and not supplying trays. This makes it more difficult to take large amounts of food, but leaves people free to get more later if they are still hungry.

Install shower

CASE STUDY

The University of St Andrews , UK, has removed trays and reduced the size of plates to cut food waste in student dining areas.

timers in halls of residence

Who might be involved? Campus catering coordinators

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