Sustainability Resources

A student holding a compost bucket

Compost Cats Program

The University of Arizona Compost Cats Bucket Program is a residential composting program that serves the University of Arizona campus and the Tucson community. Bucket Program participants collect their household food scraps in a bucket provided by Compost Cats and then bring them to a designated drop-off site once a week (click here for a complete list of locations and hours). Our student Compost Systems Specialists then turn the food scraps into compost, which is used in Community Gardens or donated to local parks and school gardens.

Interested in composting? Fill out our interest form to get started!

 

A water catching cistern located in the Community Garden with a mural painted on it.

UArizona Community Garden

The Garden was founded in 2012 by Students for Sustainability (SFS), the largest student sustainability program at the University of Arizona, and came under the full management of the Office of Sustainability in 2023. Located at 1400 E. Mabel Street, the Garden serves as a living laboratory for hands-on green learning and experiences in sustainable practices. It provides a unique meeting space on the University of Arizona campus that fosters relationship building and closer connections with nature. We encourage you to come visit and get involved!

Go to the University of Arizona Community Garden webpage for more information or fill out the form to rent a plot and start growing!

 

A Campus Sustainability Fund student employee talks with a student at an outdoor tabling event

Campus Sustainability Fund

The Campus Sustainability Fund (CSF) is your opportunity to make a lasting impact on sustainability on campus. The CSF is a unique and non-traditional grant program of the Office of Sustainability and offers two types of grant opportunities: Mini Grants and Annual Grants. Eligible project proposals are diverse and can include projects that focus on waste reduction, energy use, social justice, and other efforts that meaningfully advance environmental and social sustainability on campus. Grants are selected by the student members of the CSF Committee.

Check out the CSF webpage to learn more about the Campus Sustainability Fund.

 

A map of campus with icons at the locations of sustainability features

Sustainability Map

The University’s Sustainability Map serves to highlight sustainability programs, projects, news, and events occurring on and near the University.

Want to get an idea of the sustainability initiatives happening and their location on campus? Check out the Sustainability Map.

 

A group of dozens of student standing together, smiling at the camera

Students For Sustainability

Students for Sustainability (SFS) is a program of the Office of Sustainability and the Associated Students of the University of Arizona (ASUA) that empowers students, builds leaders, and pursues institutionalized sustainability at the University of Arizona and within the surrounding community. Students for Sustainability became a recognized ASUA program in 2008 and has grown considerably since its inception, currently consisting of approximately 100 interns split among our 6 committees. SFS works closely with Compost Cats as well as many organizations on and off campus including Housing & Residential Life, the Student Unions, and several Tucson area schools to advance their mission statement.

To join SFS, check out their website for more info, or fill out an application for the program!

 

A student attending the Action Plan Kick Off Event fills out a survey

Sustainability and Climate Action Plan

The University of Arizona has begun the collaborative and consultative work to create the University's first institutional Sustainability and Climate Action Plan! In 2018, as an outcome of the University Strategic Plan, we committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2040 or sooner and now have the opportunity to create a comprehensive roadmap for achieving that goal together while also addressing the urgent challenges presented by the climate crisis.

Click here to learn more about the plan! Make sure to get involved!

 

Three people standing together, one is pointing to a building, one is looking at the building, one is looking at a brochure about the building

Sustainability Tour

Initially developed in 2016, the University’s Sustainability Map serves to highlight sustainability programs, projects, news, and events occurring on and near the University, increasing exposure to and participation in sustainability activities. The Map integrates the spatial information of sustainability on- and off-campus in an unparalleled manner, backed by a robust database that collects, streamlines, and archives sustainability information as it pertains to the entire University.

For more info on the Sustainability Map, or to take the tour, visit our webpage!

 

Tools for repairing a bike next to sign for a bike repair station

Bike Repair Stations

Need a quick bike repair? Parking and Transportation Services offers four new bike repair stations on campus! The stations can be found outside of the Honors Village, the Main Library, Coronado Dorm, and Likins Dorm. Each location has increased lighting and proximity to emergency Blue Light phones and each station is fully stocked with the supplies required for minor bike repairs.

 

Student checks out a bike at Outdoor Rec counter with CatCard

Outdoor Rec Bike Rentals

Outdoor Rec's new commuter bike rental program offers bike rentals to students for a reduced fee thanks to the Campus Sustainability Fund! Students may rent a bike to use as their own for a semester or an entire academic year!

  • Cost: $70 per semester or $135 for the academic year
  • Includes a U-Lock, chain, and one free tune-up per semester.
  • 3 different models from Arizona local State Bicycle Co. to choose from!
 

A group of students and their supervisor hold up a sign that reads "ECOREPS"

Housing’s Sustainability Initiatives

Do you believe in taking care of the earth and its people? Are you interested in being a voice for change and progress? Join Eco-Reps to learn how you can make a difference!

Eco-Reps can look forward to being a consistent voice for the environment in their dorm communities. Eco-Reps are one of the driving forces behind our annual large-scale sustainability competitions, helping bring glory (and sometimes prizes) to your dorm. Eco-Reps create one-of-a-kind programs to educate residents about sustainability. Joining Eco-Reps is a great way to get involved, meet other people who care about sustainability, make connections and friendships outside of your dorm, and make a difference. So, whether you’re an expert or just have a budding interest, join us to advocate for sustainability in your building.

When you move in, talk to your RA or CD about joining hall council. Eco-Rep is one of the available positions. Students meet regularly with their hall councils, along with meeting as a larger Eco-Rep group every other week. Students who live on campus who do not want to be a part of hall council can still join Eco-Reps by emailing HSG-Sustainability@arizona.edu and indicating interest. Participation is limited to students living in the campus dorms.

For more information about dorm sustainability projects, visit www.housing.arizona.edu/sustainability.

For more information about dorm recycling, visit www.housing.arizona.edu/recycle.

 

A large bus with the letters "Cat Tran" on its side drives through an intersection

How to Ride the CatTran

The CatTran is a free-to-use shuttle service with routes on and off campus, it can even take you to the grocery store! Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 6:35 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (excluding University holidays and closure) and there are five different routes (Purple, Green, Blue, Orange, and Red).

To learn how to ride the CatTran, check out their webpage!