Take Charge Actions for Students
- Switch to Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
Compared to incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) emit the same amount of light, last 8 - 10 years longer and consume 75% less electricity. Today's modern CFLs don't have the flicker and humming of the first generation of the curled bulbs, so you get the same light for less electricity. According to the EPA's Energy Star Program, the most savings will result from using CFLs where they will be on for longer periods of time, at least 15 minutes per usage. So at a desk is better than in a closet.
For more information, visit Energy Star’s CFL Buyer’s Guide - Get Climbing, Take The Stairs!
Each trip on an elevator uses only uses a small amount of energy but considering the number of students, staff and faculty that take the elevator multiple times per day, it adds up. Taking the stairs keeps you off the g rid and it’s good exercise so it also keeps you out of the doctor’s office. - Un-plug Chargers When Charge Is Complete
Chargers still use energy, even when they aren’t charging anything. It's a small amount but, when plugged in 24/7, it adds up. - Do Laundry Responsibly—cold water, full loads only, line dry
Washing only a few shirts in the laundry is a big waste of water since full cycle uses 60 gallons! Be sure to do full loads only, and in cold water. You can additionally reduce your energy bill by line-drying your clothes. - Use Public Transportation, Carpool, or People-Power
With a University as big as Penn State, miles driven and gallons of gas consumed by commuters really add up. Carpool and save gas money and meet new friends and colleagues. Bike and get some great exercise and skip the traffic. Use public transportation and pretend you have your own chauffer. - Printing Duplex
The average individual uses 12 pounds of printer/copier paper a year. Print only when necessary and duplex (use both sides) when possible. - Reduce Your Shower Time
If every student and staff reduced his or her shower (in a residence hall or at the gym) by just five minutes, we would save 100,000 gallons of water each school year. That’s enough to fill five swimming pools. - Turn Off the Tap While Brushing Your Teeth:
You’ll save a gallon every time you brush, which is about 730 gallons saved each year! - Get a Re-usable Water Bottle
It takes 1 gallon of oil to produce 10 gallons of bottled water. Also, federal standards are stricter on tap water than on bottled. - Recycle
The average residence hall student generates about 375 pounds of trash and 69 pounds of recyclables each year. Recycle everything that can be recycled. Learn more at: http://www.opp.psu.edu/about-opp/recycling/what-can-be-recycled-at-penn-state
