Energy

• Go to the library or study together in one room.
• Use energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs in your desk lamps.
• Conduct residence hall community meetings in the dark.
• Challenge yourself to keep the lights off for the whole day.
• Use power strips to switch off televisions, gaming systems and stereos when not in use. (Many appliances consume energy even when switched off.)
  
• Enable the “sleep mode” on your computer, allowing it to use less power during periods of inactivity. 
  
• Use the blow-dryer less often and for a shorter period of time; or, air-dry your hair.
  
• Clean lint filter in the dryer after each use.  
  
• Turn off lights when not being used, and make use of natural daylight.
  
• Step away from your television screen – take part in outdoor activities

 

Recycling

• Familiarize yourself with your residence hall recycling options and think about reusing or recycling items before trashing them.
• Buy in bulk -- it saves money and wastes less packaging. 
• Print on both sides and narrow margins on your documents to reduce the amount of paper you use.
• Instead of using disposable cups, bring a mug or water bottle with you. 
• Reuse empty containers for a variety of purposes, like food storage, a planter or a change bank.
• Place your room’s recycling containers in a convenient spot so that they are noticeable and easy to use. 
• Take leftover plastic bags back to grocery stores where they are collected and reused to make plastic lumber.

 

Water

• Turn off the water when brushing your teeth, soaping your hands, shaving and washing dishes.
• Take shorter showers.
• Run only full loads in the laundry or dishwashing machine.
• Immediately report any leaks (i.e. dripping toilet, sink or shower) to Housing and Residential Life via E-WORF (http://www.housing.umn.edu/eworf).  A leak can waste incredible amounts of water in a short time.