Commencement and Sustainability

Commencement goes green…and so can you!

Assignment: Earth

Attending commencement? Help USC achieve its Assignment: Earth sustainability goals for a greener campus and planet:

1. Say no to plastic

Help support USC’s single-use plastic beverage bottle elimination policy, by bringing a reusable water bottle and refilling it at any of the over 200 hydration stations located on the University Park and Health Sciences campuses. To further support USC going plastic bottle-free, all water bottles for purchase at commencement will be aluminum.

2. Use the multi-stream waste bins

Sort your waste! Use any of the 100 multi-stream, zero waste bins located across our  campuses to  help USC improve its  waste diversion rate. And, check out the new “Zero Waste Zones” at the Little Galen Restaurant and the Tutor Campus Center Courtyard.

3. Reduce your waste

Send digital invitations instead of paper, skip plastic confetti, and encourage family and friends to avoid purchasing balloons and other plastic party favors. One more step in the right direction? Download your commencement program from the USC Commencement website.

4. Rent vs. buy your graduation cap & gown

Opt for the more sustainable choice and save money! The USC Bookstore offers cap and gown rentals for undergraduate and graduate students at a third of the price of purchased sets.

5. Green your commute

Carpool with friends and family! Better yet, skip traffic jams, parking hassles, and reduce carbon emissions by using the Traveler platform to find convenient public transportation options to and from campus!

6. Map it

Want more sustainability tips? Check out the USC sustainability map to locate green resources on campus.

Creating a more sustainable future is a big assignment, but Trojans are all in!


Go behind the scenes

Learn more from USC Chief Sustainability Officer Mick Dalrymple.


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