Council on Environmental Sustainability
Sustainability @ the
University of Rochester
Help Out with Sustainability
The most common reason people hesitate to help in the simplistic ways is because they don’t think they could possibly make a difference. If every single one of those people decided to try, imagine how different the world would be. This is a list of simple suggestions to reduce waste and energy consumption by being more conscious of your lifestyle.
- Start a compost pile.
- Asking Facilities to set your thermostat to 72 degrees in the winter and 75 in the summer would save $21 per room per year.
- Pull weeds instead of using chemicals on your lawn, or use organic products instead of the harsh chemicals that are harmful to people, animals, and the environment.
- Turn off lights and other electronics when you’re not in the room. The oil and coal that power them are harmful to the environment, and the less we use, the better.
- Buy Energy Star, environmentally friendly appliances. They use less water (washing machines, etc.), and up to 50% less energy. Go to http://www.energystar.gov for a full list of available products.
- Use cloth napkins instead of paper napkins.
- Store food in reusable containers, instead of plastic wrap or foil.
- Donate unwanted clothing or toys to thrift stores so that people who need them can have them.
- Buy local food and organic vegetables because they use less chemicals and they are more humane overall.
- Carpool to work, or use public transportation to cut down on noxious gas production. You could also ride a bike – its more fuel-efficient than anything else, and you’re staying healthy by doing it!
- Donate old computer supplies to schools or non-profits, or dispose of them properly as hazardous waste.
- Use florescent light bulbs – they will save you money on your energy bill, last longer, and provide more light with up to 75% less energy.
- USE recycling bins! It’s what they’re there for!
- Use paper products rather than plastic, and avoid buying Styrofoam, because it cannot be recycled and it never breaks down in the environment.
- Use alternatives to air-conditioning whenever possible, like ceiling fans or ‘whole house’ fans.
- Install solar panels or other alternative energy sources! They are a little expensive, but they’re a great investment and will pay for themselves ten times over by significantly lowering your electric bill, and your oil consumption. Go to The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy website for more information.
- Buy a live Christmas tree to plant outside after Christmas, or recycle your Christmas tree. More than 150 species of birds and other animals can live in dead trees and logs and feed off the insects there.
- SPREAD THE WORD! Pass this around, or tell your friends what they can do. Every single person can make a difference!
