A campus audit is a way to judge where resources are being used efficiently and where they are being used inefficiently. A campus audit can put into perspective whether campus resource conservation measures are working or not. The campus environmental audit is an environmental report card for the University of Wisconsin River-Falls.

Why is a campus environmental audit important? 

Using the data from campus audits, common sense, cost effective approaches for conserving our resources and preventing pollution can be implemented. An environmental audit is the best way to determine if the campus is moving toward environmental sustainability. 

What is environmental sustainability? 

Environmental sustainability is the idea of providing for the needs of people today without compromising the needs of people in the future. In other words, using and abusing resources today will leave our future generations with few resources and an even greater task of dealing with the waste we generate.

Where are environmental audits being used? 

In the past, the only time you would hear the word "audit" was at tax time. Today, audits are used in almost every aspect of business, industry, government, and more recently, the environment. Universities are slowly realizing that it makes good sense to practice the environmental ethic they teach. 

What can I do to help? 

There are many things that can be done to help the university achieve environmental sustainability. 

· Become involved in campus recycling initiatives and other resource conservation programs. 

· Take part in planning and auditing a campus system that interests you.

· Take part in campus discussion groups and voice your approval or disapproval of campus policies or planning initiatives.

· Be aware of your water consumption. Limit shower time in dorm showers and turn off faucets when not in use.

· Turn off lights, stereos, and televisions when you leave the room.

· Recycle plastics, paper, Styrofoam, and other recyclables instead of throwing them into the trash. Placing small recycling containers in your room or office can remind you to do this.

· If you are an office supervisor or a resident assistant, organize recycling programs and have rewards for best resource conservation efforts. · Watch out for each other and help each other make sound resource consumption choices.