The University of Iowa encourages students to start the school year on a positive and sustainable note. Whether moving into a residence hall or an off-campus apartment, the move-in process provides an excellent opportunity to adopt environmentally friendly practices. To assist with this, the university has prepared a green packing list to help students make sustainable choices from the very beginning.
What to Bring
- LED light bulbs for any lamps you plan to bring
- Power strips that reduce energy consumption when electronics are not in use
- Bicycle, helmet, bike lock, and lights
- Reusable water bottle/cup, cutlery, plates, napkins, bags, storage containers, etc.
- Cloth napkins and cleaning towels
- Non-toxic hygiene and cleaning products
- Energy Star certified electronics and appliances
- House plants
- Clothes drying rack
- Recycled content notebooks and paper
What to Avoid
- Disposable items such as paper towels, plastic cutlery, paper plates, etc.
- An automobile. You can walk, bike, or take the free bus system
- Unnecessary electrical appliances, such as printers. ITS provides printers at several locations across campus
- Incandescent light bulbs
- Cleaning and hygiene products that contain toxic ingredients
- Air freshener plug-ins
Plan Ahead
- Coordinate with your roommates to avoid duplication of items that can be shared
- Rent a microfridge rather than bringing your own microwave and refrigerator
- Consider using secondhand furnishings or bringing items from home
- Pack your items in reusable totes, bags, and containers that you can repurpose for storage
- Check out the Cambus and Iowa City Transit websites to plan your bus routes
- Register your bike and find a place to park it
Pro Tip #1
Bring a sound machine that plays nature sounds to reduce stress and improve wellness.
Pro Tip #2
Switch to laundry detergent sheets and bar soap, shampoo, and conditioner to reduce bulky, plastic packaging and save space.
Pro Tip #3
Invest in rechargeable batteries for small electronic devices like remote controls, clocks, wireless mice and keyboards, etc.