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.
Emilie Rex, assistant director of sustainability at the IU Office of Sustainability, works on student initiatives.
Rex said students need to focus on reducing the resources they use.
She recommends students take shorter showers to reduce water consumption.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, people in the United States use 1.2 trillion gallons of water per year while showering.
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.
Conserving energy and water not only benefit the environment, but also benefit students’ bills.
Patricia Peng, a former intern at the Office of Sustainability, had a straightforward message concerning electricity usage for students.
“If you’re not using it, unplug it,” she said.
For living on campus, Peng encouraged students to 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.
If students would like to find more information, visit the IU Office of Sustainability’s website at indiana.edu/~sustain
TIPS AT A GLANCE
Reuse water bottles instead of buying new ones.
Buy products made from recycled materials.
Buy food that uses limited packaging.
Recycle as many materials as possible, including cans, glass and paper.
Print only what you need, and print double-sided.
Read documents on a computer instead of printing them.
Donate unwanted items to local charities.
Use reusable bags instead of paper or plastic.
In dining halls, take only what you need of food, condiments and napkins.
