Sustainable Living Center

Simple Things You Can Do

After all, sustainability isn't just about inventing new technology to counter our problems. We must start first with our own lifestyles and habits.

THINK about all your decisions! What could you use less of? What didn't you need? Where was there an alternative available? Keep track, mentally, of the trash you produce, and your progress. Feel good about being sustainable and encourage your friends.

FOOD
Recycle and compost (if you eat at home plate, or if you have the containers at your living space). It only takes a few seconds to sort. But keep in mind that while something is better recycled than thrown in the trash, it'd be best if it weren't used at all.
When you're eating "here" or aren't sure whether you will have leftovers - don't waste a to go container or plastic silverware! It does not take much effort to carry your own utensils with you in a cloth.
Drink tap water instead of bottled water - bring a Sigg or a Nalgene and refill it as you go. It saves money, and a lot of plastic (bottled water is no better for you, is often the same water).
Avoid heavily packaged products. They produce a lot more trash and are generally worse for you.
Choose local food whenever it's available.
Eat less meat! Cows have contributed to global warming significantly more than automobiles.

ELECTRICITY
When you're in your room, only keep on task-specific lights rather than overheads. In the daytime - open the shades! Turn off all your lights when you leave the room.
Use a power strip to more conveniently turn off many appliances. They also reduce the energy leaks that occur when an object is still plugged in, but turned off.
Set your computer to sleep mode when you close it/have it idle, and switch it off at night.
Use Energy Star appliances and keep your fridge full to use less power. Share a fridge whenever possible. Mini-fridges are among the most power-sucking room appliances.
Let your hair dry naturally instead of using a hair dryer (also extremely inefficient). Have a drying rack for your clothes, or some of them.
Keep your windows closed in cold weather - the building takes a lot of energy to heat. If you can control your thermostat, turning it down even one degree makes a big difference.
Get rid of your TV. Use DarTV on your computer or watch a communal one, for instance in your dorm lounge or Collis.

OTHER HABITS
Take the stairs instead of the elevator. More exercise, and you don't have to wait.
Print double-sided and use GreenPrint instead of a personal printer.
Instead of using paper towels to dry your hands, keep a towel in your room or wipe your clean hands on your pants. It dries so fast you won't be bothered by it. If you have to clean up a spill, find a sponge.
Turn off running water in between use, e.g., when brushing your teeth.
Take quick showers. If you enjoy long showers to relax, try limiting it to just once or twice a week.
Buy second-hand clothes and appliances when you can - saves a lot of money, too. Likewise, sell or swap what you don't need instead of throwing it away.
Avoid plastic bags like the plague - if you can carry it or put it in your other bag, do so and tell the cashier proudly that you don't need a bag (or a receipt!).
Look for biodegradable/ecofriendly/recycled personal products or school supplies.
Keep plants in your room. They help clean the air and make good companions.
Think about how you spend your recreation time - instead of going to a movie, explore the woods by the golf course or play Frisbee on the Green.

Respect the planet. If you see litter, clean it up. Pause before a meal to consider where your food came from and how it got to your plate. Give thanks, and identify what is a privilege, not a right.
Think of yourself as a member of a community. Sharing as much as possible will reduce your individual impact.
Take a class on sustainability to encourage yourself to learn more, become involved (it's not just for hippies anymore), and relate it to all your life choices.
Pay a visit to the SLC!