Get ready to embrace the excitement of Spooky Day with a twist of sustainability! SHDS Sustainability is absolutely thrilled to invite everyone to join in on the fun while making sustainable choices that benefit our planet.

Are you a candy and pumpkin lover?

• Grab your pumpkins straight from local farms when possible. It’s a win-win—supporting our local producers while reducing transportation emissions!
• Know your labels and look for sustainable foods. When you spot the Fair Trade symbol, Rainforest Alliance symbol, USDA Organic, among others, you can rest assured that every ingredient is sourced from workers who are treated fairly, take care of the environment — and no child labor involved.
• When the spooky season wraps up, don’t forget to compost pumpkin leftovers or check this resource for zero-waste ideas! It’s all about keeping it green.

Get crafty, look spook-tacular

• Create DIY decorations with vibrant leaves and charming pumpkins or unleash your inner artist by recycling those old papers into fabulous decor! Check these out to get started.
• Come up with some DIY decorations from old fabrics lying around and opt-out of buying plastic decorations.
• If you are dressing up, why not raid your closet or borrow threads from a friend before hitting the store?
• If you're feeling a bit stuck, swing by the Aggie Reuse store to grab some thrifted items
• Check out this website to get more inspiration!

Make Zero Waste the life of the party

• If going out to party, don't hesitate to ask the party host for all waste streams to reduce waste. Can you get away with just Recycle and Compost?
• Say R.I.P to single-use items and hello to reusable utensils and washable plates and cups that not only look fantastic but also avoid waste.
• When reusables aren’t an option, opt for compostable alternatives that can easily be tossed into the compost bin.
• Keep the fun flowing with engaging games and activities that are entertaining, sustainable and zero waste.

Join us at the Dining Commons for Tabling

Check out our tabling at Cuarto DC and help us slay vampire loads and water ghouls.

• Wednesday @ Cuarto DC from 6:00-8:00 pm

Also coming up:

• On Week 5, we will be hosting our Front of House Waste Studies, where you will see our team near the dish return area at the three Dining Commons, so come say hi!
• On Week 6, we will be presenting the results of the Waste Studies where you will learn about food waste. Come see us during the following schedule
  • Monday, November 3 @ Segundo DC from 6:00-8:00pm
  • Tuesday, November 4 @ Tercero DC from 6:00-8:00pm
  • Wednesday, November 5 @ Cuarto DC from 6:00-8:00pm

Join us at the Resident Gardens

Come to the Resident Gardens this week during garden hours and learn about sustainable irrigation practices while also adjusting our irrigation schedule for winter months.

Also happening in the Resident Gardens

• Week 5: Come make handmade pumpkin decorations
• Week 6: Time to harvest and clean-up – Let’s get the last round of crops out and get the garden ready for winter.

Love Gardening? Join one of our Resident Gardens during garden hours!

Garden Hours are open to all Student Housing Residents living in Cuarto, Segundo, & Tercero. Drop-in for as much or as little time as you like to learn new skills - or put existing skills to use – and meet new people.

No experience necessary! All instructions and tools are provided.

Fall Quarter Garden Hours start this week in the following schedule:

Resident Garden @ Segundo – located between Bixby Hall and the Segundo Dining Commons

• Mondays: 1:00-3:00 pm
• Wednesdays: 2:00-4:00 pm
• Thursdays: 11:00-1:00 pm

Resident Garden @ Tercero – located near the main entrance to Latitude

• Tuesdays: 8:30-10:30 am
• Thursdays: 8:30-10:30 am
• Fridays: 10:00-12:00 pm

Join our Resident Garden Discord Server to meet your fellow gardeners and be the first ones to know about Resident Garden news and events!

Adopt A Plot

Residents can also adopt a plot in the Segundo or Tercero garden for one quarter or longer to steward their own garden space. Adopt-a-plotters will have access to garden materials and mentorship.

If you are interested in adopting a plot, please fill out the Adopt-A-Plot application or visit us during open volunteer hours and speak to one of our Resident Garden Coordinators.

Visit housing.ucdavis.edu/sustainability/resident-garden for more information about the resident gardens

Stay connected

Sign up for the weekly Student Housing and Dining Services Sustainability Newsletter to stay connected with Sustainability and hear about sustainability tips, upcoming events, and more! Sign up at housing.ucdavis.edu/sustainability/newsletter