CU Buffs Live Green: Sign the pledge to reduce your carbon footprint and CU will pitch in $5 to reduce its carbon footprint
TOGETHER WE CAN...
Believe it or not, the power is in our hands! Each one of us can make EASY, daily choices that are good for the environment, the people around us and, therefore, ourselves. And together, all of our actions add up! Here are some easy choices you can make everyday to help turn off climate change.
CFLs
Compact Flourescent Bulbs (CFLs) are up to 70% more energy efficient than old light bulbs. They can last up to 8-10 YEARS! And since they use less energy than your old bulbs, your electricity bill will be lower! They're a "win-win" for you and for the environment.
It seems simple, but when you leave a room, simply turn off your lights. It's a habit for most of us to have our lights on- even during daylight hours when they're not necessarily needed!
If we monitor the temperature in our homes, it can save a lot of energy. Keep your thermostat set to 65 degrees in the winter and 71 degrees in the summer to make things more efficient and save yourself some cash.
Recycling allows businesses to produce plastic, glass, metal and paper products using material that we've already used. So instead of trashing those things, go ahead and throw them in a recycle bin!
...We're not talking about TWILIGHT. When you leave a cell phone or computer charger plugged in, it still pulls out electricity, which is costing you money! Even if you're done charging. Those are called "vampires" but they can easily be avoided by unplugging your chargers- no garlic necessary!
Carpooling and taking advantage of CU's bus services cuts way back on CO2 emissions. If you're driving to school everyday, consider taking the bus, walking or biking! It's a healthier lifestyle and better for the environment as well.
A lot of our industry's CO2 emissions comes from transporting goods across the country. This can mean shopping at Farmer's Markets or buying food in grocery stores produced by nearby farms and businesses. If we stay close to home, by buying local food and local products, we can cut back on the amount of greenhouse gasses we emit through consumption.
Conserving water saves energy and reduces the impact you have on our environment. Think about whether you need to take as long of a shower. Most of us don't keep the faucet on while we're brushing our teeth or washing our faces, but if you do, turn it off and help turn off Climate Change.
Computers
There's a sleep setting on everyone's laptop or desktop. When you're away from your computer for more than a few minutes, go ahead and put it on sleep. Turn your electronics off overnight and when you go on vacation.
Did you know that a screen saver can cost over $100 a year! Instead of the flying toasters, have your monitor turn off and save money everyday.
Be Aware
The bottom line is that nobody can make your choices for you- it's in your hands to make daily decisions that are good for others and good for youself. Let's be reasonable about it- don't go cold in the winter and make sure to have enough lighting while you're reading. But if we're all going to fight climate change together, we all need to be aware and responsible for our daily energy consumption.Think about some simple ways to save energy and do what you can. We are all in this together and every little bit counts.
Small actions make a big difference. Pick a couple below to get started
1. Turn off lights each time you leave the room 2. Use energy efficient light bulbs at home, school and office 3. Take the bus 1 day per week or more instead of taking your car 4. Walk or ride your bike to school or work once per month or more. 5. Join or organize a carpool. 6. Buy a fuel efficient vehicle. 7. Join a car cooperative. 8. Eat meat free meals once a week. 9. Buy local and in season food whenever possible. 10.Ask for local, organic and fair trade food on campus. 11. Use a portable coffee mug. 12. Bring your own cutlery/chopsticks/cup/tupperware to CU. 13. Drink from the water fountain or tap to reduce plastic bottle waste. 14. Use a stainless steel water bottle. 15. Purchase furniture, clothing, school supplies and books through Craig’s List. 16. Print Double-Sided. 17. Buy 100% recycled paper. 18. Support local businesses and Colorado made products. 19. Buy 100% biodegradable and non-toxic cleaning products and toiletries. 20. Share what you learn with family and friends.
Here are some links you can follow to learn how to Turn Off Climate Change.
