December 2025
Happy Holidays and Let’s Make It a Sustainable New Year!
Hello, Sustainable Tigers!
As the winter semester winds down, it’s time to prioritize rest and relaxation. Check out the TU Events Calendar and take in a show, art exhibit or film to help you unwind.
Speaking of events, did you know that when you attend an event catered by TU, you can compost all your dining ware? That’s everything, from plates, bowls, cups and lids, to forks, knives, spoons and napkins. Approved compostable utensils are labeled as either “compostable” or “PLA 7”. More details can be found below.
Finally, we want to wish you a great winter break. We’ll be taking a break in January as well, so we’ll see you again in February!
Campus Events
Make & Take – Winter Greenery Arrangement
December 5 | Center for the Arts, Atrium
Join the Office of Sustainability to learn how to make a small winter greenery arrangement. You bring the mug, or better yet use one you bought at the 52nd Annual Holiday Pottery & Art Sale, and we’ll supply the greenery. Learn how to compost correctly on campus. Make your arrangement between 3:00pm and 5:00 pm, or while supplies last. Feel free to drop in, but registration is preferred. Sign up here.
Eco Reps are collecting food from Residents for The Hub!
December 8-12 | Residence Halls and The Hub
Live on campus and leaving for the winter break? Donate some food before you go.
The Eco Reps will be placing food donation boxes in the lobbies of the residence halls from Dec 8 through the 12 for food donations ONLY. All donations will go to The Hub. Please make sure your donations are:
- Unopened
- Undamaged
- Non-perishable
- Non-expired
Don’t live on campus? That’s okay, from 10:00am – 3:00pm, December 8 through the 12 you can drop off donations at The Hub yourself.
Interested in becoming an Eco Rep for your Residence Hall and help promote sustainable living on campus? Contact the Office of Sustainability at sustainability@towson.edu to join us in the new year!
Composting Reminder!
As the holidays approach and the number of events on campus increases, we all must play our part in responsible waste management. Dining ware that’s supplied by TU Hospitality can be composted. Please look for compost bins located throughout campus, marked with green leaf labels.
You can compost:
- food scraps, including meat and dairy
- napkins, uncoated paper plates, waxed paper
- pizza boxes, paper boats
- PLA 7 cups and utensils
Still unsure about where recycling/composting should go? We’ve got your back. Check out our Know Before You Throw Tool or contact the Office of Sustainability for assistance.
Sustainable Resolutions
New Year, New You? If you’re looking for some sustainable resolutions or a challenge for the new year, our Office employees have some suggestions:
-
Patricia Watson, Director of Sustainability: Go outside! Dedicate an hour or two every other week to spend some quality time in nature by yourself or with a friend. Try kicking the year off right with a First Day Hike. And remember, there’s no bad weather, just bad gear.
- Meghan Johnson-Bey, Sustainability Specialist: Ditch single-use utensils. Carry around a reusable fork, spoon, and knife in your bag for meals on the go. Worried about losing one from your set at home? Thrift an extra set and keep it handy.
- Beth Schap, Outreach Coordinator: Join one of the great sustainability-focused clubs right here on campus! Make new friends who also want to help the planet. Check them out at Involved@TU.
- Hailey Mark, Sustainability GA: Instead of buying new holiday decorations, thrift them or make them! Having a holiday craft night with your friends is a great way to be sustainable, reduce your consumption, and use items you already. I love making paper garlands out of newspapers, paper bags, or old magazines.
- Skye Ragan, GIS Coordinator: Before buying something, consider shopping locally or secondhand for gifts or personal items. Chances are that a thrift store has exactly what you’re looking for. Keeping existing items in circulation is much more sustainable than purchasing new ones, and you can often find good quality items.
Stay in Touch
Follow us on Instagram: @sustainableTU
Email us: sustainability@towson.edu