Sustainability Resources

Mini-fridge: Many residence halls have common fridges that everyone can use. Students may not bring their own microwaves, but students are allowed to bring small refrigerators that meet safety standards. Students may also rent a micro-fridge (microwave/fridge combo) from GO BREEZ. And when shopping, look for an ENERGY STAR® qualified model.

Laptops: Check the EPEAT green electronics registry before buying your electronics to see how they stack up environmentally, and look for electronics that are ENERGY STAR qualified. 

Printers: Many students don’t have personal printers anymore. But, if you do need printing, color and black & white printers & copiers are available at all libraries on campus. Students can also send print jobs from personal or office computers to the Libraries' printers from anywhere. If you do plan to bring your own printer, coordinate with your roommate so you don’t double up.

Smart strips and power strips: Power strips and smart strips make it easy to save energy by switching off electronics and chargers when they aren’t in use. Residents must use UL-approved surge protectors (power strips with built-in circuit breakers) rather than standard extension cords, which are prohibited.  Find the right smart power strip for you.

Lighting: Consider an LED bulb for your desk light. These bulbs might cost a little more, but they can last a long long time.

Irons: Most residents never need irons or ironing boards, and they often fill up donation boxes at the end of the year. If you definitely want to bring one, ask your roommate to share one.

Other items: Students can also borrow general use equipment from the UMD Libraries, like cameras, chargers, video equipment, scanners, keyboards, laptops, headphones, calculators, sewing machines, power strips, tool kits, microphones, and lights.

Linens and towels: Consider buying linens made from organic cotton or natural materials like bamboo or hemp, as it reduces the use of pesticides. Items made from organic wool and silk come from animals raised humanely and sustainably. Also, look for sheets that are not treated with chemicals like formaldehyde, which harm the environment.

Furniture: Your room on campus comes furnished, so you can save both money and resources by avoiding other furniture purchases. 

Clothes: Keep it simple. Buy and bring only what you’ll really wear. You can also save some money and reduce consumption by shopping at thrift stores rather than buying clothes new. Residents can also visit our Terp to Terp Campus ReUse Store to obtain clothes (and so much more) and donate used items.

Reusable items: To reduce plastic waste, bring a reusable water bottle and fill up at bottle filling stations located throughout campus. And bring dishes and kitchen items that can be used more than once.

Coffee mugs: Reduce your waste by bringing a reusable coffee mug to campus. Some campus eateries may even offer discounts if you bring your reusable mugs.

Reusable shopping bags: Cut down on waste by bringing your own reusable shopping bags. 

Groceries: There are plenty of grocery stores where you can buy local and organic food to keep your body and the planet happy. Or visit the UMD Farmer’s Market open most Wednesdays during the academic year.

Notebooks, folders and binders: Look back through your old school supplies and reuse folders, binders, and notebooks that still have blank pages. If you do need new supplies, look for items made with recycled content and paper that’s sustainably produced.

Pencils, pens, and art supplies: Save cash and reduce waste by gathering up old pens, paper, and art supplies before buying new items.

Laundry detergent: Look for detergents that are phosphate-free and biodegradable. If you buy concentrated detergents, you’ll cut back on packaging and emissions from shipping too.

Drying rack: Dryers use a lot of energy, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Avoid this by bringing a drying rack and hanging your clothes to air dry.

Other cleaning products: If there are any specific things you’d like for your space, check out this guide to green products.

Transportation Services offers many resources for Green Commuting, with information about shuttles, car sharing, bikes, public transit, scooters, micromobility rentals (like Veo and Capital Bikeshare), and more. Bike racks are available all over campus, and bringing a skateboard or other small ride into a class is usually no problem. 

Sustainable personal care products prioritize eco-friendly, plastic-free packaging, organic ingredients, zero-waste, and waterless formulations to reduce environmental impact. Look for items like shampoo bars, soap bars, biodegradable toothpaste tablets, aluminum-packaged creams, and reusable items like bamboo toothbrushes.