10 Tips for Students
1. Turn off the lights! Unplug!
In fact, turn everything off. Unplug your electronics, such as your TV and computer, or get a power strip that can switch off the power source. Once you move off campus and start paying your own electric bills, you’ll be glad you acquired this habit. Not convinced turning off your computer saves energy? Northwestern certainly thinks so.
2. Reduce your Water Usage
When you are going through your bathroom routine, think of ways that you can reduce your water-use. For example, don’t leave the water running when you brush your teeth, or cut down on your shower time. Also, see what your fellow North Park students are doing about the global water crisis here.
3. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Yes, North Park has recycling. We are constantly working on getting more bins so that you don’t have to walk too far to find one, but even if you do have to go out of your way a little, it’s worth it. See our Recycling Page for more information about North Park Recycling.
4. Use Reusable Bags for Shopping
Whether it’s a cloth tote or a bag made from recycled plastic bottles, a reusable bag will help reduce your plastic bag waste and your carbon footprint. Don’t have a bag? We’ll give you one. Contact Paul Johnson to learn how you can get your own reusable bag.
5. Wash your clothes in COLD water
Yes, your clothes will still get clean, and less energy will be used doing so. It’s even said that it causes less heat damage to your clothes. Also, you can always hang your clothes to dry instead of using the dryer. Get a drying rack, or just hang some string in your apartment or dorm – just warn your roommate ahead of time so they don’t come home and then promptly regret doing so.
6. Buy Used Books, Clothes, etc.
This is a no-brainer for most of you, but try to buy your books from other students and sell the ones you don’t want. Check out Village Discount down on Lawrence and Spaulding for clothes and random knick-knacks, or the many other thrift-stores dotted throughout the city. Why buy new when you can buy perfectly good used products for cheaper.
7. Use Public Transportation
The beauty of Chicago is that there is always a way to get somewhere using public transportation and making use of those blessed legs. Biking is also a great option, but make sure you have a good lock. Many bikes have been disappearing lately. If you do need to drive somewhere, though, wait till you have several people that need to go to the same area to reduce trips. And if you get a ride with someone, be a sport and contribute a few bucks for gas.
8. Use your personal water bottle or coffee thermos
If you keep your water bottle with you at all times, you will have less need to buy sugary sweet drinks on the go. You will also throw away less plastic bottles. Check out this site to see what happens with all those plastic bottles. With coffee, some places will charge less if you bring your own cup. Score!
9. Use CFL Bulbs
According to Energy Star, “A compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) will save about $30 over its lifetime and pay for itself in about 6 months. It uses 75 percent less energy and lasts about 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb”. The Office of Sustainability will exchange your regular light bulbs (used or new) for a new CFL bulb as long as we have them. Contact Paul Johnson for more information. Also, please remember that these lightbulbs cannot be disposed of in the regular trash due to mercury content. In addition to turning them in to us, you can use this website to find an appropriate disposal site near you.
10. Eat in Season and Locally
Produce travels an average of 1300-2000 miles before being consumed by you. By buying in season and locally you not only reduce the carbon footprint of your food, but you also support local farmers. Go here to find out what foods are in season in your state, and go here to find out about Chicago Farmers Markets.