At an individual level, our pursuit of environmental sustainability can come through lifestyle changes. How we travel and dispose of our waste, what products we use, where we buy our food, and our energy usage are all areas in which we can make choices that contribute to a greener lifestyle. Here we will show you the different things you have at your disposal on campus and around Orlando to make that a little bit easier.

Buying locally and dropping meat from your diet are two actions that help benefit the environment… and your body! Check out Oviedo Farmers Market, Winter Park Farmers Market, and Maitland Farmers Market for local and organic produce. If you're after vegan options when eating out, these eateries are a good place to start: 3Natives, Purple Ocean Superfood Bar, Toasted, and Fresh Kitchen.

You don't have to forsake comfort and style to be sustainable! When buying your everyday personal care items, see if you can swap them out for plant-based, biodegradable, and low-packaging alternatives. You can donate or sell old clothes to avoid sending them to landfill, and then vamp up your wardrobe at thrift shops. Near campus, check out Urban Rags, Style Encore Waterford Lakes, Goodwill Oviedo, and the HOPE Chest.

Recycling starts with understanding what waste can or can't be recycled. UCF does offer recycling in dorms, but some rooms do not have a recycling bin, so students have to separate the material themselves – the extra effort is worth it for the planet! The recycling bins are small and located behind the big garbage bins.

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