Create an eco-friendly dorm with these simple earth-friendly suggestions

Create an Eco-Friendly dorm with these quick and simple earth-friendly recommendations

What is all the buzz about being eco-friendly? Want to create an eco-friendly dorm but not sure exactly how to go about it? Are you wondering what everyone is talking about?

First, let's begin with the definition of GREEN/ECO-FRIENDLY so we're all on the same page.

"Seek to live a lifestyle that contributes to sustainability. Promote ways to keep our environment healthy. Make responsible choices on a daily basis as not to inflict any harm on our environment or its inhabitants. By following the 3-R method, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, we can help to reduce the negative impact on our planet in many ways."

Have you ever thought about what personal efforts YOU can make to create a more eco-friendly dorm and how YOU as a single person can impact the environment?

Just think! If every person made one change in their daily routine, collectively we can make a difference. By making some simple choices, you can help "green" your dorm and keep it toxic free. Here are some suggestions.

Turn off the water while you brush your teeth

Turn off the light after you leave a room

Unplug cell phone chargers and appliances (if they are plugged into the wall, they are still sucking juice even if the phone is not attached)

Switch to energy saving bulbs (compact fluorescent bulbs may be a little more expensive but they use 75% less energy than regular bulbs and last 10 times longer and give out the same amount of light)

Buy vintage clothing (frequent your local consignment store)

Recycle paper (print both sides, also look for a recycling bin on campus)

Recycle plastic bottles and cans

Purchase inexpensive plates, cups and utensils (avoid using plastic utensils that you toss after one use)

Purchase a refillable water bottle (think of how many plastic water bottles are purchased on a daily basis and thrown away)

Conserve printer ink (many printers have different print quality settings, use the draft setting for notes and papers that you don’t have to turn in and save the higher quality print for projects and term papers)