Living eco-friendly

Finding ways to reduce environmental impact can be a challenge for the average college student.

Luckily for IU students, there are many ways to be more eco-friendly without even leaving home.

Emilie Rex, assistant director of sustainability at the IU Office of Sustainability, works student initiatives.

“There are lots of ways for students to evaluate their impact on the environment,” Rex said.

Rex believes students need to focus on reducing the resources they use. One way Rex recommended students reduce their water consumption is by taking shorter showers.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, people in the United States use 1.2 trillion gallons of water per year while showering.

By taking shorter showers, students can conserve a lot of water.

Another resource students consume frequently is electricity. According to IU’s Integrated Energy Master Plan, 73.1 percent of energy used at IU is electricity.

Electricity consumption can often sneak up on students. Rex said even when electronics are not being used, they can still consume electricity through what is called a canceling charge.

Conserving energy and water not only benefit the environment, but also benefit students’ bills.

“There’s actually a bit of financial payoff to those,” Rex said.

Patricia Peng is an intern at the Office of Sustainability who works with students to find sustainable housing. She had a straightforward message concerning electricity usage for students.

“If you’re not using it, unplug it,” she said.

For students looking to be eco-friendly off campus, Peng suggested finding places that have updated appliances.

For living on campus, Peng encouraged students to recycle and actively take part in helping dorms reduce energy consumption.

“Tell your RA if something isn’t running right,” she said.

Students can go beyond their apartments and dorms and help the environment by using alternative transportation. This can be done by simply walking to class, taking a bike or using public transportation.

When students need to stock their fridge, Rex said the most sustainable option is to buy local food whenever possible.

If students would like to find more information about living in a sustainable way, there are several websites they can use, including that of the IU Office of Sustainability website indiana.edu/~sustain.