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Pass your Eco-Exam – a study guide for sustainable dorm room living
World Wildlife Fund's quick tips for sustainable dorm
© Stéfane MAURIS / WWF-Canon
Use florescent light bulbs. An 18 watt florescent bulb produces light comparable to a 75 watt regular bulb and uses far less energy. The bulbs also last about 10 times longer than standard light bulbs.
Check out your dorm facility's kitchen setup before you start buying appliances. If you need in-room cooking devices, opt for a microwave/toaster combo or an energy-efficient 3-in-1 microfridge.
Instead of buying plastic cups and paper plates, use reusable kitchenware. Wash a few dishes, help the environment and save some money.
Unplug TVs, stereos, computers and other electronics when not in use. Many of these popular devices are a power drain even when they are turned off, consuming as much as 40% of the energy they use when on.
Be cool. Keep A/C use to a minimum. The average air conditioning unit generates 3,400 pounds of CO2 per year. Instead of using this big drain on energy, opt for a fan, open a window or study outside
Use a water filter and reusable water bottle instead of buying cases of water. On average, the United States consumes 50 billion bottles of water every year which requires 2.7 million tons of plastic to produce and generates 2.5 million tons of CO2.
Choose an FSC-certified bed frame. By buying FSC-certified wood you are ensuring that the materials come from responsibly managed forests.
Buy towels and sheets made from organic cotton. Not only are the linens free of chemicals, they are made without using harmful pesticides. You get the same softness and comfort and lessen the impact of pesticides on people and the planet.
Learn more about the FSC label.
Learn more about everyday ways to help combat global warming.