Hundreds of printed newspapers languish on racks across campus, never touched.

As compared to a higher set temperature, the current situation is costlier to the University, releases more greenhouse gas emissions and isn’t even better for students. In short, we are paying more money and increasing our contribution to climate change in order to be uncomfortable.

Washington University celebrated a sustainability victory this semester as composting efforts expanded both in residential halls and dining facilities across campus. Thanks to the efforts of dedicated students and like-minded faculty members, composting is now available at the Danforth University Center, Parkside Cafe and every dorm on the South 40.

The Office of Sustainability is introducing a new dishware loan initiative for on-campus events to reduce disposable plastic waste.

The Washington University Green Ambassadors will expand their residential compost program to include four more dorms on the South 40.

Washington University expanded its agreement with Lime for the next three months, deciding to keep the short-term rental bikes on campus until Lime phases out its current pedal bikes for electric-assist models this spring.

Dining Services’ summer installation of an RFID-based soda fountain system has caused quite a stir across campus recently. The system’s efficacy is currently being examined by dining services, amidst student questions about whether the system is truly beneficial for “sustainability,” as dining services posits, or whether it’s simply a cash grab based on assumptions about patron behavior.

In the Office of Sustainability’s strategic plan, it aims to achieve a 55 percent waste diversion rate and reduce the amount of consumer-generated waste by 35 percent on the Danforth Campus by 2020.

Reading week may be stressful, but that’s no excuse for slacking on the good deeds. With these tips, you can make a tangible, positive impact on the world with minimal effort.

In an effort to convince the University to expand the use of solar panels on campus, Student Union Senate passed a resolution and created a petition to display additional support for the clean energy option.