How Psychology supports sustainability
- How can psychology contribute to sustainability? To answer this question, Dr. Jiaying Zhao uses psychological principles to design behavioural solutions to address sustainability challenges. Learn more at: zhaolab.psych.ubc.ca
- From decision-making to understanding how our values shape how we interact with the nature, psychology offers unique insights into climate change. Learn more about UBC Psychology climate-related research.
- UBC Psychology Recycle and Re-use Initiatives (see below)
- UBC Psychology’s Sustainability Coordinators share information about UBC’s sustainability policies, procedures, news and events—and the ecological impact of daily workplace activities. They also implement sustainability initiatives for the department. If you have questions or ideas on how to be sustainable, contact:
Climate Action Committee
This committee of faculty, staff, and students work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions of our departmental activities and operations, while improving the efficacy of our research and teaching and the overall well-being of the psychology community.
- Elizabeth Dunn (Faculty)
- Jade Radke (Graduate Student)
- Bonnie Vockeroth (Staff)
- Jiaying Zhao (Chair, Faculty)
UBC Psychology Recycle and Re-use Initiatives
Battery Recycling
Non-rechargeable and rechargeable batteries can be dropped off at the Photocopier and Mail Room (Kenny 2506) in the designated box. Acceptable types are consumer electronic alkaline batteries AA, AAA, C, D, 9V types, lithium and rechargeable batteries for mobile phones/devices, laptops, cordless tools, and cameras. Please follow the instructions for bagging your used batteries. For information on the procedures for battery recycling on campus and the drop-off location map see the UBC Battery Recycling Program.
E-Waste Recycling
The UBC Psychology IT Helpdesk accepts e-waste (phones, computers and monitors, electronic equipment etc.). Please contact the Psychology IT Helpdesk to arrange for a pickup/drop-off. The drop-off location is Room 2303 (stores). Anyone within the Psychology department (staff, faculty, and students) may drop off their personal electronic waste, in small quantities. Please remove any batteries before dropping off any e-waste. More information on UBC’s e-waste program.
Light Bulb Recycling
There is a recycling container for light bulb in the department’s mail room (Kenny room 2506). Incandescent, halogen, CFL (compact fluorescent light), and fluorescent light bulbs and tubes are accepted.
Mask Recycling
The department has arranged recycling for used disposable masks and respirators. Used masks and respirators can be disposed of in the designated Vitacore recycling bins located in the Photocopier and Mail Room (Kenny 2506). Used masks and respirators are then transported to the Vitacore Recycling Facility.
Mug Reuse
The department is proud to support UBC’s Let’s Choose to Reuse Campaign. If you have any spare mugs in good condition, donate them to the Suedfeld Lounge for department events. The mugs will be in the lounge for you to use when hosting an event—which involves some dishwashing. If you plan to host an event and will take on the mug washing duty, we’ll thank you by gifting you a psychology mug.
Soft Plastics Recycling
There is a recycling container set up for soft plastics in the department’s mail room (Kenny room 2506). The department accepts soft plastics such as clean plastic bags, plastic mailers, plastic covers on journals/magazines, plastic air pillows and packaging, bags for potato chips and candy, zipper lock bags/pouches, cellophane for flowers and gift baskets and padded protective plastic like plastic shipping envelopes, plastic air packets, and bubble wrap. See Styrofoam and Soft Plastics Recycling to find out more.
Sort It Out
You can make a difference and create a green, zero waste campus by using the recycling stations in the Kenny Building to sort your food scraps and recyclables into the proper bins (and out of the garbage). Follow this Sort It Out guide to get your waste into the right bins and to avoid contamination. Test your knowledge of waste sorting on campus by playing the Sort it Out Game.
Styrofoam Reduction and Recycling
UBC Psychology collects styrofoam for recycling. To arrange collection of your styrofoam contact the Psychology IT Helpdesk. Styrofoam boxes and some of the styrofoam blocks in electronics shipments are acceptable but currently only when shipped specifically to UBC (no personal items yet). Styrofoam must be clean and dry with stickers and labels removed. See Styrofoam and Soft Plastics Recycling to find out more.
Toner Cartridge Recycling
Used laser toner printer cartridges can be dropped off at the Photocopier and Mail Room (Kenny 2506) in the designated boxes/locations. Black and colour toner cartridges are accepted too.
Global Climate Strike
Peas of Mind Community Garden
The Peas of Mind community garden brings our community together to experience the rewards of gardening, fresh produce, personal connections, and beautification to our campus neighbourhood.