“Green” in Action

Online education is one of the most effective ways a college can reduce its carbon footprint. By logging on instead of commuting to a classroom, you are doing your part to conserve resources and make the world a better, greener place - and not just by conserving resources. Online degree programs also increase awareness of environmental issues and give students the skills to build a better future. Online colleges bring education to a broader student population – making a bigger impact!

1. Students drive less & reduce gas consumption
2. Students use fewer campus resources
3. Students and faculty use less paper

The production and provision of online learning courses consumes nearly 90% less energy & produces 85% fewer CO2 emissions than traditional campus-based college courses.

- The Design Innovation Group

Thinking green is the first step, but Rio Salado is going beyond that and taking action! Rio's online students do their part, saving countless amounts of paper and reducing pollution caused by commuting. Now Rio Salado's administration, faculty and staff are working together to implement small changes that make a big difference to the environment.

In addition to lowering college energy costs, the college is looking into installing clean/green energy generating technologies like solar panels and purchasing Energy Star electronic appliances.

Many workers participate in the Maricopa Community Colleges’ Trip Reduction Program. Employees are cutting down the number of plastic water bottles and shopping bags they use thanks to ‘green’ items made available by Rio Salado.

For just $2, Rio students and staff can purchase tote bags featuring the Rio Salado logo and help cut the use of plastic bags, which are made from petroleum. The tote bags are made from 100% recyclable polypropylene.

Every Rio employee was also provided with a free, reusable Nalgene water bottle imprinted with the words “Refill, not Landfill.”  Rio Salado is doing its part to cut down on the nearly 38 billion water bottles that end up in landfills each year.   

The college placed blue recycle bins at every work station, making it easier than ever for employees to remember the environment. Employees are even encouraged to bring in their personal newspapers, magazines, and junk mail from home to recycle them.

Check out our Additional Resources page to find out ways you can get help!