Matadors, it’s time to move out! CSUN Sustainability is partnering with Student Housing to pilot a zero-waste initiative, May 6-18, to help students keep unwanted items out of landfills as they move out of their dorms.
In residential lobbies and designated parking lots, which will be updated on the move out website, students can drop off donations starting on May 6 such as gently used clothing, non-perishable food items and small appliances — fridges, microwaves and toasters. Donations will be distributed to campus partners such as the CSUN Food Pantry, Women’s Research and Resource Center, and Matty’s Closet. Any leftover items will be distributed to local organizations — LA Family Housing and Hope the Mission.
The new “Matador Move Out” initiative supports campus goals to address basic needs, said Valeria Ramirez, California Climate Action Corps fellow and a professor of child and adolescent development and sociology.
“Rather than sending materials from student move out to the landfill, this program will redirect these resources to benefit both our campus and local communities in need,” she said.
Students and staff, 18 and older and CSUN affiliated, also may volunteer with this undertaking, from May 8-18 — with May 18 the big “move-out day.” Community volunteers, 18 and older, are also needed only on May 18. Volunteers will receive service learning hours, first pick of donated items, CSUN Sustainability swag, and professional experience.
Responsibilities for volunteers will include organizing items, monitoring and guiding students to donation locations, and directing partners to the pick-up locations.
In collaboration with CSUN Sustainability, Associated Students Sustainability and the Residence Hall Association will host a “Swap and Shop” event, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 16 at the Housing Sports Lawn.
Organizers said they hope the event will inspire students to engage in clothing donation and swapping activities — reducing, reusing and recycling — while promoting sustainability initiatives on campus.
“Swap and Shop” activities will include clothing swaps, donation collection and opportunities to interact with different campus partners. Participating organizations are scheduled to include the campus’ Sustainable Fashion Club, CSUN Food Pantry, Women’s Research and Resource Center, and the Institute for Sustainability. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.
