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Join the Green Team in our efforts to reduce
waste, conserve resources, and keep our
planet safe for future generations.
A few small changes now can lead to tangible benefits in the future.
There are many ways that you can help; what are you willing to do?
- Set sleep mode on my computer and turn it off each night.
Frequent startup and shutdown of modern computers does not harm them. You can actually cut one computer’s energy consumption by over 80% by taking a few seconds to change its power settings.
- When leaving a room, remember to turn off the lights.
Turns out your parents were right about this one!
- Use the cold and warm settings (rather than hot) when washing clothes.
The majority of the energy needed to wash clothes comes from heating the water. You can reduce the energy consumed in half just but washing your clothes in warm water instead of hot. Cold water gets rid of soap residue better than warm water.
- Unplug chargers/power adapters when not in use.
Chargers and power adapters consume energy even when they are not in use. Prevent this waste by keeping them unplugged when you are not using them.
- Waste less food.
In 2007 Hybrid Living found that the average student wastes approximately ¼ of a pound of food every time they eat.
- Use real dishes, cups, and silverware instead of disposable, when available.
Bear’s Den and Village Eatery all offer real silverware. Most of the eateries on campus offer discounts
to people who bring the specially marked recycling mug given out to new students or available for purchase at various
locations around campus.
- Drink tap water instead of bottled water, whenever possible.
Most cities tap water is safe to drink. Not only will you consume fewer resources, you will also save money.
- Conserve water by taking shorter showers and turning off the faucet whenever possible.
Most faucets use between 2 and 3 gallons/minute while most shower heads use between 5 and 7 gallons/minute.
By cutting two minutes out of a shower each day, you would save between 3650 and 5110 gallons of water per year.
- Precycle--buy things in packages that can be recycled or are made of materials
that have already been recycled.
Check to see which products have recyclable packaging and consider buying larger quantities in bulk
to reduce packaging.
- Make a habit of recycling glass, tin cans, aluminum soda cans, soda bottles, paper,
cardboard, newspapers, etc.
Recycling bins are provided in every trash room and by every trash receptacle on campus.
- Put on a sweatshirt instead of turning up the thermostat.
Let’s be honest, it’s not that hard, and it saves energy.
- Store food in re-usable containers, instead of plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Avoid Styrofoam completely.
Styrofoam is harder to recycle than alternatives, but re-using is still more efficient than recycling.
- Donate old clothes, books, and toys to places like your local hospital, library,
or Goodwill. Donation boxes are on Campus.
Not only is this better for the environment, but you are helping someone else avoid the consumption
of new products and resources.
- Tell at least three other people about the Green Team.
[Take the Green Team Pledge]*
*Adapted from Harvard University’s Sustainability pledge
http://www.greencampus.harvard.edu/pledge/
Sustainability Commitment by the Office of Residential Life Recognizing the ethical obligation of individuals
and the university to reduce their environmental footprint, Residential Life regularly reviews existing housing practices
and implements changes to maximize efficiency and minimize resources. Residential Life works closely with Facilities
Planning and Management and Campus Sustainability to ensure our office procedures and student services are as
sustainable as possible.
Residential Life understands that to truly make an impact, our students must be active members and leaders in our
sustainability movement. Throughout the year, our “Green Team” and RAs will provide opportunities for discussion,
education, and competitions to encourage all community members to think “green.”
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