Thursday, January 19, 2012

Sustainable Spring Semester

Welcome back to school, Seahawks!
As we are sure you checked our last post on traveling sustainably, we are hoping you stayed green over the break and are ready to begin a new green initiative this semester! Here a few helpful tips in staying sustainable this spring:

 
For those of you that live in the Seahawk areas (Crossing, Village, Landing) and the University Suites, and are able to set your thermostat to your favorite temperature, remember it's always better to SAVE ENERGY.

 Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs and for the university and to spare certain resources involved with the energy created to heat and cool our apartments!

Unplug appliances when you're not using them.

This eliminates the usage of "phantom" or "vampire" energy, a small amount of energy that is being wasted when our hair straighters, blow dryers, fans, and computers are not being used.

For those of you in traditional academic housing, utilize the green buttons when washing clothes. These functions typically wash the clothes in cold water. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water.
Also, feel free to use a drying rack when applicable in order to cut down on some of the energy associated with the dryer machines.

Less gas = more money (and better health!).

Walk or bike to class or work. This saves on gas and parking costs (and the cost of parking tickets! yikes!) while improving your cardiovascular health and reducing your risk of obesity.

Eat smart.

If you eat meat, add one meatless meal a week. Meat costs a lot at the store-and it's even more expensive when you consider the related environmental and health costs. Eating healthier just might help you in accomplishing your New Year's resolution!

If eating on campus, consider local and/or organic options like The Green Spot at Hawk's Nest or the Chef's Table at wag. These locations often offer locally raised, humane, and organic meet, eggs, and dairy products. The money used to purchase these products from local farmers means that we, as Seahawks, are keeping money in the local Wilmington and surrounding economies.

Skip the bottled water.

There are great reusable water bottles out there in stores available for purchase! Some include a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it generates large amounts of container waste.

Bring this reusable water bottle (preferably aluminum rather than plastic) with you to class, work, or meetings. It will keep you hydrated and eco-friendly!

Think before you buy.

Go online to find new or gently used secondhand products. This can be applied to textbooks ($$$$), clothes, room decor, and much more. This will save you money and more than likely keep money within the local economies.

When items can be borrowed, go for it!

Buy items in bulk. Purchasing food from bulk bins can save money and packaging.

Invest in high quality, long lasting products. It will be worth it in the end when you don't have to replace the item as frequently.



In general, it is important to remember not to waste our resources. Take quicker showers, turn lights off behind you, and recycle items in the blue bins and designated containers in your residence areas.

If you have any additional tips you'd like to provide (maybe a certain way you've found has worked for you!), feel free to comment on this post and share with us.

Good luck this semester!

- HRL Sustainability Committee

1 comment:

  1. When you go to Java City or cafes in the area bring a reusable cup with you! In this way you are saving paper (sometimes styrofoam from the cup), you feel better about your drink, and you sometimes even get a discount!

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