{"id":17890,"date":"2024-01-31T17:12:55","date_gmt":"2024-02-01T00:12:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.usc.edu\/?page_id=17890"},"modified":"2024-04-01T11:40:40","modified_gmt":"2024-04-01T18:40:40","slug":"taking-action","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.usc.edu\/sustainability\/taking-action\/","title":{"rendered":"Taking Action"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Building a culture of sustainability takes time \u2014 and we’re right on track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n\n <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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Assignment: Earth is all about putting into action USC’s commitment to a more sustainable future. To start, we’re already near completion of our university-wide sustainability literacy goal for 2028 and headed toward a platinum rating from STARS, the sustainability performance framework for colleges and universities. Now, we’re empowering the entire Trojan Family to take action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n\n <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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USC Urban Trees Initiative<\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n
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More green and more shade \u2014 what more could you want in a city? Connecting faculty, staff and student researchers with community members and decision-makers, the “USC Trees” program advances climate-resilient urban forestry practices and the equitable distribution of green spaces. In partnership with the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works and nonprofits across LA, the program specializes in data and community-driven projects with experts in geospatial sciences, landscape architecture, air quality and community engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n\n \n \n \nLearn more about the USC Urban Trees Initiative<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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By the Numbers<\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n \n
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Our investment in climate-focused education and research reach far beyond campus borders, and our in-house operations are constantly evolving to lessen our impact on the environment. From energy and water use to transportation, food services and more, USC is cultivating a culture of sustainability in the classroom, in the lab and out in the greater world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n \n

\n\n \n \n \nExplore the numbers<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
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6,700+ students<\/h3>\n \n

Enrolled in 141 undergraduate sustainability-focused courses<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \n <\/span>\n \n <\/div>\n

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$50 Million<\/h3>\n \n

A gift commitment to establish the Ronald and Leslie Sherwin Initiative, focusing on protecting the environment through research, education and practice.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \n <\/span>\n \n <\/div>\n

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3 Million+<\/h3>\n \n

Plastic beverage bottles prevented from being sent into landfills<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \n <\/span>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n\n <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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\u201cIn 2028, the eyes of the world will be on Los Angeles and USC, and with this new framework we\u2019ll be prepared to show what sustainability in higher education can look like.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Mick Dalrymple, USC Chief Sustainability Officer<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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Join Community<\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n
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Peruse USC’s directory of sustainability programs and groups to find likeminded Trojans and community partners dedicated to a more sustainable future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n\n \n \n \nFind your sustainability group<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Zero-waste by 2028<\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n \n
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USC is eliminating single-use plastic beverage bottles by transitioning to container alternatives such as glass and aluminum, which can be more sustainably sourced and have increased recyclability. Being a part of Trojan sustainability culture means encouraging the use of the 200+ campus hydration stations, water coolers and water fountains instead of disposable plastic options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n\n \n \n \nLearn more about going zero-waste at USC<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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Local Research and Programs<\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n \n
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Hundreds of USC scholars are publishing sustainability research and launching related programs with a local focus, especially in communities disproportionately impacted by environmental disruptions and risk exposures. Peruse our comprehensive catalog that highlights the intersection of sustainability in LA with equity, inclusion and community engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n

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\n\n \n \n \nFind community-centric research & programs<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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Working Together for a Sustainable Future<\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n
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Do your part to help the USC community develop and implement innovative solutions that build a more sustainable society \u2014 from visiting the USC Sustainability Hub to locating green points around campus, there’s something for everyone interested in improving the planet. It\u2019s a big assignment, and we\u2019re all in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n \n

\n\n \n \n \nTake action against climate change<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n \n
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Join a Movement<\/h3>\n \n Students can thrive in many areas within USC’s environmental movement by developing leadership skills, expanding knowledge of sustainable practices and fostering a deep sense of environmental responsibility.<\/span>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n
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Find a Course on Sustainability<\/h3>\n \n Students can use the Sustainability Course Finder to grow their sustainability literacy, engagement and action and enrich their class schedules with a sustainability lens.<\/span>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n
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Check Your Carbon Footprint<\/h3>\n \n Quantify the environmental impact of your lifestyle choices, and understand your contribution to carbon emissions. By regularly using our Carbon Footprint Calculator, you can make conscious efforts to reduce emissions to promote a more sustainable future for our planet.\r\n\r\n<\/span>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n
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Shop Local<\/h3>\n \n Trojans Shop Local provides a curated platform to discover local businesses that share USC’s commitment to sustainability \u2014 from eco-conscious clothing to ethically sourced products, green dining options and more, there’s something for everyone.<\/span>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n
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Green Your Office<\/h3>\n \n Making your workspace more sustainable involves implementing various practices and choices that reduce environmental impact while promoting energy efficiency and responsible resource use. <\/span>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n
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Travel Green<\/h3>\n \n By taking advantage of the U-Pass program and opting for free Metro rides, Trojans can enjoy the benefits of convenient and environmentally friendly transportation while contributing to a greener and more sustainable urban environment. \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/span>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n\n <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Students<\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n