Sustainability and Energy Management

Defining Sustainability since 1899

GreenAppal Certification: Living the Mountaineer Commitment to Sustainability

App State commitment to sustainability and every member of the Mountaineer community plays an integral role in advancing our mission. Daily choices, from personal wellness and civic engagement to water conservation and energy use, your choices help build a healthier community. Individual households have an impact on the environment, the local economy, and community well-being. App State’s institutional impact on our environment, our local economy and the health of our community reflects the values of the campus community together, Mountaineers are building a more sustainable future.

The GreenAppal Certification is an educational tool designed to cultivate sustainable habits within student’s living spaces. Whether residing on or off campus, students who take intentional steps to “green” their environments and reduce their ecological footprint contribute meaningfully to the university’s sustainability goals.

Certification Details

Participation is voluntary and open to all students.

To earn certification, students must complete all listed requirements and submit the online application form.

A representative from Sustainability and Energy Management will offer guidance and support, if requested.

Once submitted, a representative will review the application and reach out via email to schedule a meeting to present the official GreenAppal Certification.

For questions about the certification or to learn more about App State’s sustainability initiatives, contact the Sustainability and Energy Management office at [email protected].

How to get GreenAppal Certified

Getting certified is simple - and it starts with a commitment to sustainable living. Students living in residence halls should complete the GreenAppal Certification Questionnaire. Students living off campus are also invited to participate by filling out the GreenAppal Certification Questionnaire.

GreenAppal Guide: The Path to Certification

Use this guide to review the requirements for GreenAppal Certification. There are nine sections, plus a bonus question. To qualify participants must select the minimum number of statements required for each section.

BE WELL

At least 5 statements must be selected in this section.

  • I get a physical exam each year.
  • I spend at least 30 minutes a day doing physical activity.
  • I don’t smoke or vape, or I am trying to quit.
  • I try to drink plenty of water (about 64 fl. oz. a day).
  • I get at least 7 hours of sleep each night.
  • I talk to someone I trust whenever I am feeling worried, sad or stressed.
  • I regularly practice meditation, yoga or other mindfulness activities.
  • I take medication only as it is intended and do not share prescriptions.
  • I use eco-friendly cleaning products when cleaning my space.

FOOD CHOICES

At least 5 statements must be selected in this section.

  • I choose vegetarian and vegan options whenever possible.
  • I buy local and/or organic food when I am able.
  • I choose locally owned restaurants over chain restaurants.
  • I buy fruits and vegetables that are in season.
  • I limit the amount of highly processed foods I eat.
  • I buy food in bulk when possible.
  • I grow my own food and/or herbs, or I utilize community gardens, such as App State’s Roots Garden.
  • I use the campus food pantries and free stores.

WATER CONSERVATION

At least 6 statements must be selected in this section.

  • I normally shower for less than 5 minutes.
  • I only run full loads of laundry.
  • I fill the sink to wash dishes instead of letting the water run.
  • I use a reusable water bottle.
  • I don’t flush my medications. Instead, I utilize a drug takeback program near me. 
  • I turn off the water when brushing teeth or shaving.
  • I fix leaky faucets promptly.
  • I opt to take showers instead of baths.
  • I only run the dishwasher when full.
  • I properly dispose of toxic chemicals such as gasoline and paint and do not pour them down the drain. HHW collection in Watauga County

BE ENERGY SAVVY

At least 8 statements must be selected in this section.

  • I use LED light bulbs.
  • I do not use decorative lights in my room.
  • I wash my clothes in cold water.
  • I use a drying rack or clothesline instead of a clothes dryer.
  • I take the stairs when possible and if able.
  • I use natural lighting when possible.
  • I unplug appliances when they’re not in use, or use smart power strips.
  • I charge my electronics with solar-powered chargers.
  • I don’t own a personal printer.
  • I keep my thermostat set at a reasonable temperature. I turn off the lights in rooms I am not using.
  • During cold winter days, I open my blinds during daylight hours and close them at night.
  • During warm summer days, I close my blinds during daylight hours and open them at night.
  • If I am a customer of App State’s New River Light and Power company, I am enrolled in NRLP’s Green Power Program to help offset my monthly carbon-based electric use.

KEEPING APP STATE HEALTHY AND SAFE

At least 5 statements must be selected in this section.

THINK BEFORE YOU GO

At least 4 statements must be selected in this section.

  • If I drive, I generally go the speed limit to help conserve gas.
  • I carpool or use local public transit whenever possible.
  • I walk or ride my bike when I can.
  • I do not own a car.
  • I keep up with my car’s maintenance.
  • I ride in and/or drive an electric-powered vehicle.
  • For long-distance travel, I opt to take the train instead of driving or flying when possible.
  • When I do fly, I choose to fly economy class, rather than business or first class.
  • I only pack what I need when traveling.

BE GOOD IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

At least 5 statements must be selected in this section.

  • I stay informed on local, state, national and international affairs.
  • I respect others, regardless of differences.
  • I do not litter and I clean up after myself in public spaces.
  • I vote in local, county, state and national elections for which I am eligible.
  • I do not damage property.
  • I participate in community events to support the local economy, such as Farmer’s Markets, Holiday Markets, etc.
  • I volunteer regularly.
  • When I feel sick, I wear a face covering in public.

WASTE NOT/USE LESS STUFF

At least 10 statements must be selected in this section.

  • I donate or give away unwanted items. 
  • I share supplies with my friends and roommates rather than buying my own.
  • Before making a purchase, I make sure I truly need it.
  • I purchase durable, long-lasting items because they last longer.
  • I avoid bottled water.
  • I shop at thrift or used goods stores before anywhere else.
  • I purchase used books or rent my textbooks whenever possible.
  • I regularly use reusable bags when shopping.
  • I avoid eating with disposable items such as utensils, plates, cups and straws.
  • I take my leftovers home in reusable containers whenever I go out to eat.
  • I compost spoiled food.
  • I choose to buy items that are made from recycled materials or that can be composted or recycled.
  • I take notes electronically, opt-in for paperless billing and take other actions to reduce my paper waste.
  • I use a drip coffee machine.
  • I use reusable dryer balls and/or do not use dryer sheets.
  • I use reusable mugs and containers whenever possible.
  • I choose reusable towels or air dryers instead of paper towels whenever possible.
  • I dispose of my batteries and electronics by sorting them into the proper electronic waste bins located on campus or at an off-campus site.
  • I properly sort my waste into recycling, trash and compost.

INVOLVEMENT IN SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES

At least 1 statement must be selected in this section.

  • I follow @sustainappalachian on Instagram and Facebook.
  • I attend at least one event hosted by Sustainability and Energy Management every semester.
  • I belong to one or more environmental groups, either on campus or elsewhere.
  • I have recruited at least one other person to participate in the GreenAppal Certification program.

BONUS!

This section is optional. Use it to share other ways you live sustainably.

Sustainability Pledge

I pledge that all of the above statements are true and that I will continue to act in a way that is consistent with the conditions of this certification.

  • Yes
  • No