10 Ways to Make Your School a Green Campus

Universities around the country are doingtelling you to not overdo it. Generally, a lot of fast
everything they can to become a green campus.food and take out is eaten by college students,
From the 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle' campaign towhich means a lot of napkins get grabbed on the
using naturally fueled buses, being an eco friendlyway out. Limit the amount you grab!
campus is not only the "in" thing, but the smart5. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs
thing.This is a good bit of advice for those college
There are plenty of things that universities havestudents who are paying their own electric bills.
been doing, but there are also items that individualThese bulbs might be slightly more expensive
students can do to make a green campus thrivethan regular ones, but will decrease your energy
and support having an eco-lifestyle. Here are 10intake, last longer and ultimately save you money.
environmentally friendly ideas for dorm rooms,These are good for dorms as well. Lamp light is a
apartments and campus life in general to makelot more pleasant and environmentally efficient
your campus a more eco friendly campus.than overhead dorm lighting.
1. Recycle everything, especially paper!6. Walk, bike, and limit the use of your car
The amount of paper a college student goesMost campuses, especially those that are trying
through per semester is insane; between classto become a more eco friendly campus, have
notes, scrap copies, term papers, studentpretty good public transit. On top of that, almost
newspapers, graphs and pictures printed out plusall universities are pedestrian friendly. Walking or
countless other random items add up. We knowbiking will not only help make your campus a
that these things can't be avoided, but the waygreen university, but will help you avoid the
you handle the use of all the paper can really helpfreshman (or sophomore, or junior) 15.
create a better green campus. Look for recycling7. Buy green
bins by garbage bins, dorms, restaurants andBuy recycled goods as much as possible. Paper,
classrooms.cleaning products and water are products that can
2. Use your printer wiselybe purchased as a recycled good. They're slightly
Teachers usually don't mind if they read papersmore expensive than the normal products, but it's
that are printed using both sides of the paper.worth it to make a green campus.
This is a huge way to save on paper. Also, to8. Use refillable binders instead of notebooks
save ink, use the low quality settings on itemsThis is a simple way to save waste. Whenever
that don't need to look too nice or that are justthe semester is done you can take out your
text. Lastly, think about what you're printing out.notes, staple and save, then use the binder for
If you can show someone the website on athe next semester. If you really want to take an
screen, do it. You don't need to print it out.extra step to make your campus greener, use
3. Limit the use of disposable cups and platesyour laptop to take notes at class.
Whether you're in a dorm or moving into your9. Carry a water bottle
first off-campus apartment, the temptation toNot only will this save the environment by
buy disposable cups and plates is huge. However,decreasing the amount of plastic waste on your
this not only is bad for the environment, but it'scampus, but will also help keep you hydrated and
bad for your student finances as well. Buyyour metabolism high. A water bottle can be
cheaper plastic plates and cups; one packagerefilled at any water fountain and can easily be
usually has four sets which are generally enoughdrank in class or while riding a bike.
for one set of roommates. Wash these by hand10. Buy used clothing
or throw them in the dish washer if you haveUsually thought of as something to do to save
one (and remember to only run the washer whenmoney, it is also good for the environment!
it is full to save water).Recycling clothes minimizes the use of resources
4. Limit the use of paper napkinsto make clothing and puts a dent in the problem
We're not telling you to eat cleaner, but we'reof worldwide sweatshops.