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Many of us have goals to be more sustainable, but sometimes it can be difficult to know where to begin or what we can do to help. Know that even the smallest of actions can make a huge difference, and also lead to other benefits. Here are a few tips to help with building sustainable habits this year.

Make it fun

When it comes to forming new habits, everyone experiences setbacks from time to time. Finding ways to make the process fun and rewarding can help.

One easy way to stay on track is with the CU PIPs app. PIPs (Positive Impact Points) are a ‘currency of change’ and can be earned for logging actions that support sustainability, health and wellness. Behaviors, like riding your bike or refilling your water bottle on campus, are tracked and PIPs are earned through CU’s own PIPs Rewards mobile app.

• Ski passes
• Yoga passes
• Gift cards to Whole Foods
• Credit at the CU Book Store
• Concert tickets to the Fox and Â鶹ӰԺ theaters
• Rec Center Be Fit pass

During the month of January, new CU PIPs users will earn double the regular PIPs sign-up bonus. Visit the or to download the app.

Save yourself time and money

Adopting new habits takes time and effort, but there are free resources with money-saving benefits to help you along the way:

Green Home Certificate

Anyone living in the residence halls, Bear Creek Apartments and Graduate & Family Housing can take part in this free program.

• How it works:, and a sustainability liaison will contact you to set up a 20–30 minute meeting. They will review everything you’re already doing to live green and give you some additional tips to further reduce your carbon footprint.
• What you’ll get: You’ll get a swag bag with things like bamboo utensils, a bike light, a reusable shopping bag and more.

ECO-Visits program

Anyone living off campus can take part in this free program through the Environmental Center.

• How it works:Sign up online and a home visit will be set up with two trained CU student technicians. They will visit your home and install energy- and money-saving upgrades such as CFL light bulbs, weather-stripping, window film and water-smart showerheads free of charge.
• What you’ll get: In addition to the free upgrade installations, you’ll also receive a free pizza from Cosmo’s if over half of your roommates are present during the ECO-Visit.

Start small

Sometimes changes can become overwhelming and it’s easy to fall back into old routines. When it comes to changing our habits, starting small and simple is a great approach.

Let’s say one of your goals this year is to use less plastic. One way to start small is to commit to bringing a reusable beverage container with you to avoid using disposable cups and bottles. Find a reusable container that you love and look forward to using every day. At home, keep it by your backpack or somewhere that you would remember to bring it with you throughout your day. Once you are in the habit of remembering and using your reusable container, you can choose another item to replace—grocery bags, straws, eating utensils, etc.—to reduce your plastic use.

Starting small and implementing one thing at a time can help you form the habit and build on your progress to get to where you want to be. The results of your small actions will start adding up right away!

Sustainable Buffs is a new series brought to you by the Environmental Center. Learn more sustainability tips and ways to get involved at colorado.edu/ecenter.