In Fostering Sustainable Behavior McKenzie-Mohr and Smith (1999) argue that commitments to engage in sustainable behavior are often more effective if they are placed in writing. As such, a “written commitment” approach will be used in this class to foster greater environmentally sustainable behavior in the classroom.

I, ___________________, commit to trying to carry out the following environmentally sustainable practices:

1. Not using a plastic bag when making purchases at the USM bookstore (i.e. carry cloth bag, use backpack instead).

2. Use of natural light in the classroom whenever possible.

3. Use of mass transit.

4. Shut off computer and printer as soon as work is complete.

5. Re-use of paper by printing assignments on paper that has one clean side.

6. Use of double-sided printing for assignments.