How You Can Help
Being green today is about more than recycling – it is about committing to countless small seeds of change that grow into a greener tomorrow. Here are some simple things you can do to green your routine:
The Three “R”s
- Reduce. Think about what you buy. Can you live with less and be just as happy?
- Reuse. Look for ways to reuse things before throwing them away. Can someone else use what you no longer need? How else could the items be used? Repurpose, reuse and donate items instead of sending them to landfills.
- Recycle. With on-campus bins, curbside pickup, and lots of bins around town, it’s never been simpler to recycle.
Start At Home
- Reduce the amount of energy you use every day just by unplugging electronics when they are not in use. Think about your phone chargers, TVs and computer. The typical electronic can use 40% of its regular running energy, even when it is plugged in on standby.
- Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs. They may cost a little more at the store, but these bulbs last 10 times as long and are 25% more energy efficient. That’s a green choice that will save you some green too.
- Go native. Plant flowers and shrubs well-suited to your climate. You’ll save water, and your plants should thrive without the use of fertilizers and pesticides.
- Buying paint or carpet? Look for low VOC (volatile organic compound) products. They improve indoor air quality and reduce health risks that have been associated with VOCs, such as liver and kidney damage.
- Regularly clean leaves, twigs and other trash from gutters and storm drains. Dispose of this debris properly so that it doesn't lead to stream pollution.
Eat Fresh
- Choose organics. Doing so reduces your exposure to pesticides, antibiotics and growth hormones, as well as makes our drinking water cleaner.
- Hit your local farmers market, or look for locally grown food at the grocery store. The average American meal travels about 1,500 miles before it hits your plate – adding up to lots of wasted petroleum, freshness and nutrients.
- Instead of buying single-use bottled water, buy a reusable water bottle. Stainless steel is a good choice, so you don’t have to worry about potentially toxic chemicals that have been traced to many plastic versions.
Around Town
- Bike, walk, carpool or take public transportation.
- Check your tires. Keeping your tire pressure at the recommended level increases your fuel efficiency.
- Take less on the road with you. Carrying excess items in your car decreases fuel efficiency.
- Be a wise consumer. Look for items that have a green spin in the form of recycled content, environmentally friendly production practices, or local ties.
- Tote your purchases in reusable bags.
- Support and participate in community projects, such as community gardens, small electronics recycling drives, and local farmers markets. Going green is a joint effort. We all have a role to play.
- Learn how to safely dispose of motor oil, antifreeze, batteries and household chemicals.
