Green Your Dorm
If you want to keep the Earth green, you have to live green. Follow these easy steps to Green Your Dorm!
1. Wash only full loads of laundry with cold water and then air dry your clothing by using a drying rack. Both practices will help save on energy and water, while also preserving the quality of your clothes.
2. Kick plastic out of your bathroom routine. Stay clean by using bar soap and shampoo bars; and get rid of the plastic bottles. Swap out your plastic toothbrush with a bamboo toothbrush and your plastic loofah with a 100% cotton towel.
3. Light up the night and your homework with LED bulbs and book lights.
4. Say goodbye to styrofoam and single use plastic. Reusable dinnerware can significantly decrease the amount of waste you produce.
5. Ditch single-use plastic water bottles. Filter your own water and store it in a reusable water bottle.
6. Purchase notebooks that are made from 60-100% recycled fiber and nontoxic soy based ink.
7. Breathe cleaner air by adding plants to your room. They help filter indoor air pollutants.
8. Designate one of your trash cans as a recycling bin. Valparaiso University has mixed recycling in the trash rooms located on the first floor of your building. Check out our recycling guidelines here, for more information on what you can and can’t recycle.
9. Bring a reusable bag when you go the store or café. Did you know that the average plastic bag is only used for 12 minutes?
10. Avoid synthetic material like polyester, which is a form of plastic. Opt for natural and organic textiles in your bedding, towels, and clothing.
11. Reuse! Purchase used books instead of new to help yourself save some money and reduce demand for environmental resources.
12. Strap on a helmet and ride your bike to class, it’s a great way to exercise and reduce pollution.
13. Plug electronics into a power strip and switch off the power when they are not in use, some electronics can still draw energy even when they are turned off.
14. Let the sun in! Use natural light whenever possible to save on electricity, increase your mood, and boost productivity.