August 10th, 2008

Groovy Green Dorms

Posted by Jessica Jensen

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We have started to get a lot of email from folks heading back to college who are wondering how they can make their dorms more eco-friendly.  Well here’s our guide to going green in your dorm!  Also be sure to read down below where we highlight universities around the country doing very innovate eco-minded things. It’s exciting!

Saving Energy, Saving Money

1.  You probably can’t do structural work like installing insulation or solar panels at your dorm (but if you can get your college to let you, more power to you!)  But you can definitely still reduce your energy use.  Use efficient lighting– like compact fluorescents or better still LED (light-emitting diode) lights, which are over 10 times more efficient than CFLs.  You can find both CFL and LED lighting options here.
2.  Turn off the AC and use a fan. Fans use much less energy than central or window-AC units.  Click here to see energy-efficient fans. But if you do need to get an AC unit, make sure you get an Energy Star model.
3.  Get a solar charger for your iPod, phone and laptop. How cool will you look? So cool.  Solar chargers are a great way to keep your portable electronics running when you’re on the go and you need no electricity at all!
4.  If you have a fridge in your dorm room, also be sure to go use an Energy Star refrigerator.  Small Energy Star refrigerators are very energy-efficient and will save you money in the long run as well.
5.  Is a new computer on your back-to-school list?  Laptops are more energy efficient than desktop computer models. And again, get an Energy Star laptop model. You can find models here.
6. Seal any cracks in your windows and doors. Leaky windows and doors let lots of valuable hot/cool air out. Buy some caulk at your local hardware store and seal the cracks.

Cut Your Greenhouse Gas Emissions

1.  Get thee on a bike!  Do you really need to drive for your errands?  Biking is a great way to stay in shape, meet people out and about and cut your contribution to global warming.
2. Do you really need a car at all?  Check out car-sharing options like Flex Car that can get you four wheels when you need them– but allow you to save money and gas by biking, walking and using public transportation the rest of the time.
3. Take a train or a bus.  Remember that flying is a major contributor to global warming, and whenever you can take a train or a bus you’re cutting your carbon emissions in a big way.

Save Water

Energy-saving gets all the big press these days due to global warming, but saving water is also a critical thing we all need to do more of.
1. Only run full loads of dishes and laundry. This is the most efficient from a water and energy-saving perspective.
2. Don’t hand wash your dishes or clothing. You’ll use more water that way rather than using your machines. And you could be wasting a lot of water rinsing off your dishes before you put them in the dishwasher. Most dishwashers can wash your dishes clean even if you haven’t rinsed them first.
3. Turn off your faucet while you brush your teeth, scrub your hands, and wash your face.

Other Great Ways to Save Resources

1.  Say no to plastic water bottles!  Get a Brita or other filter for tap water and buy a reusable metal water bottle.  Plastic water bottles waste not only plastic but also cuts carbon emissions from the trucking and shipping of the bottled water.
2. Take your own reusable shopping bags to the grocery store. The answer to “paper or plastic?” is “Neither!”
2.  Recycle to the max. Make sure you know your school’s or town’s recycling regulations and recycle all you can.  And if your dorm doesn’t have a recycling program, start one!
3. Consider composting.  Composting food and yard waste can cut your trash load half.  How about having everyone in your dorm chip in to get a composter?  You can find composters here.

Learn from the Leaders: Outstanding Green Universities Across the U.S.

The Princeton Review has created a “Green Honor Roll” for the leading green colleges across the country.  For example, Bates College in Maine is a leader in many ways–from the 28% of its food budget dedicated to local, natural, and organic purchases to the bicycles and cars they share to reduce pollution, environmental sustainability is part of Bates College’s DNA. Bates has opened two new major buildings, a student residence hall and dining commons, both built to LEED-Silver equivalence. Other leading green universities include Emory in Atlanta, Yale in New Haven, and the University of Oregon in Eugene.  Check out their amazing commitment to sustainability!

Related features:

Back to School Green Style
Green Apartment Resources
Planning an Eco-friendly Move
Cut Your Home Water Use by 50%

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