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Living Off-Campus Sustainability Tips

Groceries

  • Save money on things you don’t need by planning meals ahead of time.
  • Cut down on food waste by storing purchased items properly.
  • Bring your reusable bags to the grocery store — and don’t forget to use them!
  • Support local businesses and farmers by shopping at local farmers markets, including Pitt’s on-campus farmers market (which takes cash, credit, dining dollars, Pitt Cash & Panther Funds).

Blemishes, misshapenness, sell by dates, and other imperfections often lead to produce and other foods being rejected by grocery stores. These items are available at a discount via Flashfood, Imperfect Foods, & Misfit Market.

Laundry

Laundry can be one of the most energy, water, and chemically intensive processes in the home.

  • Only do full loads of laundry
  • If you do wash smaller loads, choose the appropriate size setting. 
  • Replace plastic jugs of detergent with greener alternatives (detergent power, sheets, concentrate, pods, etc.)
  • Use cold water to wash whenever you can (reducing energy use and helping your clothing last longer by preserving fabric integrity)
  • Use reusable wool balls instead of dryer sheets

Cleaning Products & Soap

Cleaning products, soap, and cosmetics can utilize harmful chemicals and adding unnecessary plastics to the waste stream. Find safer and more sustainable products via EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning and EPA’s Safer Choice

Some other best practices to reduce packaging & single use items:

  • Buy refillable products or ones that come in glass or aluminum
  • Buy your favorite personal care items in bulk
  • Use bar soap and shampoos
  • Use reusable kitchen towels (instead of single-use paper towels)
  • Switch to natural sponges that can be composted

Want to learn more? Check out these resources:

Local Refillable Options


Both The Refillery (Squirrel Hill) and East End Food Co-op (Homewood) offer eco-friendly and refillable products, including allowing customers to bring in their own containers to fill with personal care and home products.

No matter where you shop or go out to eat, you can bring reusable bags, take-out containers, and utensils!