Fall semester is on the horizon and that means it's time to prepare for your return to campus. Before hitting the big box stores and online retailers check out these tips on how to reduce your back to school shopping impacts.

• Take inventory of what you already have. Take stock of what school supplies, apartment essentials, clothing, etc. that you already have and assess how you can reuse these items instead of buying new.
• Coordinate with roommates. Coordinate shopping for apartment essentials with your roommates so you don't end up buying duplicates.
• Rent or buy used textbooks. Not only will you reduce environmental impact, you'll save money!
• Buy used. Clothes, apartment essentials, and electronics (refurbished). There are lots of great options to thrift in and around Orem and you can buy refurbished electronics online.
• Buy sustainable and recycled material items. If you do need to buy new, prioritize buying items that are made sustainably (with renewable or recycled materials) and ethically.
• Don't forget your low-waste essentials. Reusable water bottles, reusable mugs, and utensil kits all help you stay low-waste while on campus. Remember to use what you have before buying new, like making your own utensil kit with utensils you already own and a cloth napkin.

Your choices while back to school shopping make a difference and can help promote a lower-waste and more circular economy.

As the Perseids meteor showers approach this month the hunt is on for prime viewing locations. Luckily in Utah there are many Dark Sky Designated Spaces to observe this celestial show.

Dark Sky Places are designated by the International Dark-Sky Association. Places are designated based on their levels of light pollution and actions or plans to minimize light pollution. Light pollution has wide range effects on people and planet. Excessive light at night can disturb the regular day/night (circadian) rhythms of humans and wildlife. In addition to disturbing the circadian rhythms of wildlife outdoor light pollution can also interfere with navigation causing birds to strike buildings and baby Sea Turtles to be drawn away from the ocean.

Another reason to preserve dark skies is the social and cultural significance the night sky has for many people. The night sky is an universal heritage that all of humanity shares. By preserving dark skies we ensure that we can continue to connect with each other through observation of the natural night sky.

The Perseids meteor showers will be at their peak August 11 - 13. Get together with family or friends at one of Utah's designated Dark Sky Places to enjoy this annual spectacular. You can find a map of Dark Sky Places on the Visit Utah website.

Transportation is a significant and growing source of emissions. In 2019 transportation accounted for 29% of US emissions and of that 58% was from light duty vehicles. Transportation emissions are expected to nearly double by 2050 with no significant policy or behavior changes. There are many options available to UVU students, faculty, and staff to reduce their transportation emissions.

All students, faculty, and staff can ride UTA's buses, UVX, FrontRunner, and TRAX for free using their UVU ID Card. In addition Wolverines can get free UTA passes for their spouses and dependents. You can learn more about your transit pass on the Campus Connection UTA Transit Pass page.

The recently completed pedestrian bridge provides direct access from the Orem FrontRunner station to UVU main campus in addition to making traveling to UVU using forms of active transportation more convenient and safer for UVU students, faculty, and staff living west of I-15. The bridge features elevators and bike gutters on the stairs to facilitate ease of use for those using wheeled forms of transportation.

UVU offers bike parking all across campus including covered bike parking in the parking garage and under the concourse connection between LA & Fulton Library.

There are 10 electric vehicle charging stations on UVU's campus. These charging stations are free for students, faculty, and staff to use. Those using the charging stations must comply with the 3 hour charging limit and follow all parking regulations for the area that the station is located in, you can learn more on the Parking Services website.