Green Living
Green living: pledge flags, sea level rise marker, and EnviroPanel discussion.G3 2007
The second George Goes Green competition began with a variety of energy conservation approaches.G3 2006
Students, faculty, and staff devised creative ways to conserve energy as part of the first George Goes Green competition.Campus Energy Saving Tips
- Put your computer to sleep/ hibernate, or turn it off when not in use for longer periods of time. Screen savers do not save as much energy.
- Turn off lights wherever possible when not in use.
- Unplug appliances when not in use or use a power strip to turn them all off at once. When appliances are still plugged in, standby power can be equivalent to a 75-100watt light bulb running continuously. The same goes for power chargers.
- Wash only full loads of laundry. Use a warm/cold or cold/cold cycle, as warm water is usually enough to thoroughly clean clothing and the temperature of the rinse cycle doesn't effect cleaning.
- Air dry clothing when possible. People used to hang clothing in the sun to kill germs. Clean the lint filter on the dryer when using, and only do full loads (but don't overload).
- Turn down the heat (if you can).
- Close the curtains or blinds during the day if too hot, leave open to let sunlight in if cold. Close curtains at night to keep heat from escaping.
- Add insulation to windows using plastic sheets or even towels (to prevent drafts). Maintenance will provide weather stripping for windows and doors on request.
- Take shorter showers and turn off the water when possible. Remember: it takes energy to heat water!
- Set your fridge between 38-42°F. Let hot food cool before putting it in the fridge.
- Replace standard light bulbs with Energy Star compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL), which use 75% less energy and last the lifespan of 13 average light bulbs. CFLs are a lower wattage, so a 32watt CFL gives as much light as a 100watt incandescent. Compare the number of lumens to determine what size bulb you need (ex: a 60 watt incandescent bulb gives off 800 lumens).
- Invest in Energy Star labeled appliances.
- Ask the College to install: low flow showerheads, faucet aerators, thermostats, motion activated lights, or front loading washing machines (which use 18-25 gallons of water instead of 40). You could use a low flow showerhead if you hold a gallon bucket under the shower and it fills up in less than 20 seconds. Leaky faucets can be leaking as much as 50 gallons of hot water per week.
CFL Information
CFLs, or Compact Fluorescent Lamps, are Energy Star certified bulbs that reduce electricity use by up to 75 percent, lowering energy bills and electricity outputs. In fact, a single CFL can reduce your electric bill by $30, making it a worthwhile investment. CFLs are available in almost any size for any fixture, making them easy to replace. When switching from incandescent light bulbs to CFLs, remember to look for a CFL that matches your incandescent watt output. Also, think about replacing CFLs with lights used most frequently in your home, as they are most efficient when used for longer periods of time. When you need to dispose of your CFL, remember to find a proper recycling facility, as they bulbs do contain small amounts of mercury and do not belong in a landfill. If your CFLs ever break, thoroughly clean up the broken bulb and air out the room. Once you start using CFLs, it will be years before you have to replace your bulb, making them easier and more environmentally friendly to use.
Find the CFL that's right for you.
Prices at Superfresh
- Twist/Mini-spiral Shape $4.99
- 3 Pack Twist/Mini-spiral Shape $9.99
- Incandescent/A-line Shape (soft white) $4.99
- Ceiling fan $4.99
- Candlebra/Post/Bullet Shape $5.99
- Globe Shape $5.99
- Outdoor Postlight $7.99
- Reflector Floodlight $7.99
Buildings and Grounds
For more information
Watch a promo for this year's George Goes Green competition!
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