Sustainability is important here on campus, and making only a few changes to our daily habits can make a huge difference. Here are five unique ways students may be more sustainable on campus:
1. Adjust Dorm Energy Use: Many dorm rooms are overheated in the winter. Instead of opening the window, turn down the radiator in your room or wear an extra layer. If your room is too hot, please talk with a head of house about submitting a work order to Mr. Milligan in Facilities. In the warmer months use fans instead of air conditioning where possible. Other ways to conserve energy include turning off lights and unplugging electronics when not in use, especially before leaving school for break.
2. Use the Big Red Farm’s Produce: Instead of packaged snacks or food items that have a high carbon footprint, utilize the Big Red Farm’s produce whenever available at dining halls. Locally sourced food on campus cuts down on transportation-related emissions and supports sustainable agriculture.
3. Engage in clothes and school supply swaps: Instead of buying new clothes and supplies each term, set up a swap with friends or dorm mates. The end-of-year sale also facilitates campus-wide swaps. You can exchange items such as textbooks, formal wear, winter gear, or even notebooks to reduce waste and save money on buying things you might not need.
4. Composting in the House and Dining Halls: The school does have compost bins, and while they are generally used correctly, it’s important to carefully check the signage to ensure only food waste is placed inside. Remember that paper cups and napkins should not be composted, only food scraps of any kind are allowed. Learn what can and cannot be composted so all waste goes to the right place.
5. Be Water Conscious: Most students let the water run while brushing their teeth or washing their hands, which wastes gallons of water each day. Try turning off the faucet when not directly using the water and taking shorter showers to cut down on excess water usage and energy usage for using hot water. Also, reporting dripping faucets or running toilets to the school can prevent larger-scale water waste.
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