Rules and guidelines

Need help getting those numbers down? Feeling as though there's nothing to do to raise that dismal ranking? Or perhaps you'd like to widen the gap between you and your rival dorm. For whatever reason, we've included ways to lower your energy and waste consumption. Pick an area and get working!

ENERGY TIPS (from G2LC)

• Computers

• Appliances

• Heating & Cooling

• Water

WASTE

• Recycle using RecycleBank!

• Food Waste

 

COMPUTERS

You can make sure to buy green when buying a computer or
computer-related devices. Keep in mind that laptops use 50% to
80% less energy than desktops, and LCD screens use 50% to 70% less energy than their CRT counterparts. Also, look for the Energy Star label on any computer or electronic device that you are buying.

Some computers suck “vampire power” even when they’re not being used. Invest in a powerstrip for the computer. Turn it off when you’re leaving the room!

 

APPLIANCES

• It’s a no-brainer, but when you leave your room, remember to turn
your lights off.

• Is that television blaring in the lounge when nobody’s there? It only
takes a second to turn off -- or simply unplug -- that bad boy when
it’s not in use.

• Your laptop, video game system, TV, DVD-player, cell phone, or iPod
charger still consumes energy when it’s left plugged into the socket,
but not actually charging anything. If you unplug your gadgets
when you don’t need them, the energy savings add up.

• Speaking of energy: Make your desk lamp or torch more energy efficient for FREE! Housing provides superlong-lasting, energy conserving fluorescent bulbs from the Hospitality Desk in Hartley
Hall. These bulbs give off the same light as an incandescent at a
fraction of the energy use. For more info on the bulbs, see the
Environmental Stewardship section of www.housing.columbia.
edu -- and drop off old bulbs with your residence hall custodian for
proper disposal, as they may contain mercury.

• Try to use the lowest-wattage models of electric hair dryers, shavers,
and other beautifying appliances – and be sure to unplug them
when you’re done. Remember that just 15 minutes of blow-drying

• Crock pots and microwaves are extremely energy-efficient, besides
being fast. Next time you need hot water for coffee, tea, or soup,
consider using a crock pot or just nuking a ceramic cup of water
instead of boiling too much on the stove.

• Speaking of efficiency: Look for Energy Star-labeled mini fridges to conserve energy. You can save even more energy by adjusting your fridge to a moderate setting instead of cranking it to the coldest temperature

 

HEATING & COOLING

• Don’t forget to close your windows when you go out of town or leave for vacation.

• Air-conditioning is a big energy consumer in the hot months of the
year. If you’re lucky enough to have a unit in your building, be sure
to turn off the A/C when you leave your room. When the A/C is on,
try to keep it at a low energy-saver setting.

• A word from Facilities: to keep all of your heating and cooling units
working efficiently, don’t block the units with furniture or clothing

• We all feel like we’re at the mercy of the res hall heating systems
– it’s always too hot, so we open our windows. But the cold air on
one floor can make the building thermostat turn the temperature
up even higher! In the winter, you can avoid this vicious cycle: don’t
leave your window wide open for hours at a time. If your room still
feels way too hot, turn your heater to a LOW (not “off”) setting and
send a maintenance request to Facilities at www.facil.columbia.
edu/studentwor/

 

WATER

• Use full loads of clothing in the washing machine

• We love those long, hot showers, but keep in mind that each minute
uses 1.6 gallons of water, plus the energy needed to heat it up.
Savor that shower, but try shortening it by a few minutes.

 

RECYCLEBANK


RecycleBank is a rewards program started by a Columbia grad. He believed in helping the planet and that people should get rewarded for the good they do. RecycleBank started as a program to increase household curbside recycling rates and has been amazingly successful. Ask your RA or building supervisor about RecycleBank locations.

  • Metal cans
  • Aluminum foil wrap and trays
  • Household metal (wire coat hangers, pots, pans)
  • Plastic bottles and jugs
  • Glass bottles and jars
  • Beverage cartons
  • Drink boxes (milk, juice)
  • White and glossy paper
  • Junk mail
  • Wrapping paper
  • Paper bags
  • Cardboard egg cartons and trays
  • Newspapers, magazines and catalogs
  • Phone books
  • Soft-cover books
  • Corrugated or smooth card board
  • CLEAN pizza boxes

    • Food

    Dining Services conducted a plate scraping at John Jay showing we waste 450 pounds of food a day at John Jay! Keep your waste down by eating moderately and taking only what you can eat, not what you think you can eat!

    For more tips on eating responsibly, check out our podcasts!



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Waste High 5

Tip of the day


 

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