Six Steps to a More Sustainable Residence Hall Room:
Turn the lights off when not in the room.
All non-essential appliances (i.e. fridges and clocks) should be turned off and unplugged (or on a power strip that is turned off). This includes cell phone chargers, chargers, TVs, stereos, computers, gaming systems, coffeemakers, hairdryers, curling irons, etc. Some appliances can draw up to 40% power even when turned off!
If possible to regulate in the room, keep thermostat set below 65 (if heating) or above 75 (cooling).
Properly use recycling and trash bins.
Do not use disposable water bottles.
Use CFL bulbs in any personal lamps.
20 Things YHC is Doing to Become a More Sustainable Campus:
Developing solar panel farm on campus land to offset power usage
LEED-certified building projects
Geothermal heating/cooling systems in several residence halls
Switch by food service provider Sodexo to sustainable paper products
Green cleaning supplies used throughout campus
Comprehensive recycling program
More locally grown food and meatless options on the campus dining menu
Campus bee hives providing honey to the dining hall
Plans to plant an organic garden in the spring to grow food for dining hall
Beekeeping classes
Organic gardening classes
Hemlock research (chemical-free approach to saving the trees)
Blight-resistant chestnut tree saplings planted on campus
Sustainability website as a resource to the campus community
SGA Green Fee that funds student-initiated sustainability projects
Composting implemented by the dining hall
Membership in AASHE (Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education)
Developing a tree inventory as part of becoming a Tree Campus USA
Designing a plan to minimize electrical usage in residence halls
