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Sustainability

Sustainability After Graduation

What does my job have to do with Sustainability?

Jobs in fields like accounting, finance, education, or anything else that may seem completely unrelated to the social and environmental values the Grad Pledge, however, the Pledge is relevant for all kinds of careers and industries.

Here's how: 

  • Social entrepreneurship is a growing trend, and many companies, big and small, are making an effort to ensure that their practices do not interfere with social justice or the environment. Most companies will have a corporate responsibility statement on their website. 
  • Even actions as simple as supporting a sustainable paper recycling program or a company-designated charity can be in solidarity with the Grad Pledge.
  • The Pledge lets you define " social and environmental responsibility" for yourself and is therefore designed just for you to think about what these values mean to you.

Sustainable Career Resources:

  • : Read this guide about how to promote business ethics
  • : A network for social entrepreneurs with inspiration for improving the social aspects of your future career
  • : A five-day workshop and extended membership for young professionals interested in promoting corporate social innovation
  • : News about all kinds of sustainable businesses and tips for how to promote sustainability in your own workplace
  • : A resource for discovering a sustainability degree that fits your passion and skills, plus an  to get involved in sustainability advocacy and activism
  • : Resource for learning about careers with impact including a  and impact careers course
  • : Google Group with job announcements related to social enterprise and social innovation

How to #Adult Sustainably in the real world

Now that you鈥檙e out of college, you鈥檒l find many lifestyle habits that are good for you AND your wallet. Here are some sustainability pro tips for the office and your home to help you stay eco-friendly after graduation.

  • Carpool, use public transportation, or bike to reduce emissions on your commute. Did you know you can save up $2,174 each year by carpooling 40 miles round trip with just one other person?! Don't have a carpool buddy? Check out erideshare.com to find a commuting partner. Uber, Lyft, and  are also convenient options if you don鈥檛 have a car.
  • Pack a reusable coffee thermos and water bottle. You can even stash a few plates and reusable utensils instead of using their disposable counterparts. Also when ordering food from a restaurant, bring an extra container for leftovers, or if you鈥檙e taking it 鈥渢o-go,鈥 bring your own container to avoid extra packaging.
  • Use a CFL bulb in your desk lamp and in your home. These bulbs last 10x longer than their incandescent counterparts and use only about 30% as much energy.
  • Turn off and unplug your computer and other electronics when you leave your office in the evenings. Even in a low-power mode, these items are still using small amounts of energy which contributes to CO2 emissions. Moreover, try plugging your office and home electronics into a power strip which you can turn off when you鈥檙e gone for periods of time.
  • If you travel for your job, consider for each flight you take.
  • Start your own compost. With a little dedication and patience, it鈥檚 easy to do and extremely beneficial for the environment. Get your housemates on-board too so it鈥檚 not all your burden. See the .
  • Recycle! Go to your city's website to learn about their municipal recycling program and see what they do and do not accept. If you live in San Diego, check out the !
  • Purchase 鈥渆co-friendly鈥 cleaning products! Good brands are Mrs. Meyer鈥檚, Seventh Generation, Dr. Bronner's,  and Method. They feature products made with natural and biodegradable ingredients that aren鈥檛 tested on animals, and are socially conscious. Or, DIY with these fun !
  • Make your own beauty products. Avoid the extra chemicals and packaging from conventional brands and try  
  • Buy and sell used furniture, household goods and office supplies instead of buying new. Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, eBay and freecycle.org are great places to start.
  • Get active outside! Save emissions and money by  instead of joining a gym. Consider joining a running or biking club or participating in yoga at the park!