1. Prep your dorm/ apartment/ house before you leave
Air conditioners are the biggest energy users on average, so be sure to shut off your unit and close the blinds, which will keep the sun’s rays from adding additional heat to your living quarters for the next week. Unplug appliances like printers, computer monitors, TV sets, etc., to avoid phantom energy loss. If you’re up to the challenge, defrost and unplug your mini-fridge.
2. Travel light/ carpool
Traveling light should be easy, since Spring Break means wearing as little clothing as possible. The lighter your bags, the more fuel-efficient your car will be if you are driving to your destination. Carpooling also cuts down on emissions (and is probably already necessary for students without cars).
3. Don’t use the tiny hotel shampoo bottles
Most hotels don’t recycle the empty bottles of complimentary shampoo and conditioner they provide, but an unopened bottle can be left for the next visitor. Simply bring your own hair products. They’re what you prefer to begin with.
4. Ditch the red Solo cups
Whether you plan on partying it up during the coming week or you just want to crack open sodas while sitting on a lawn chair, try drinking your beverages straight from the can or bottle to avoid using Solo cups. Plastic cups are a six or a seven on the numbered recycling scale (depending on what brand you buy) and are not recyclable in certain locations. Maybe bring your reusable “crunk cup.” It shows you are committed to both partying AND the environment.
5. Choose aluminum cans over glass bottles
Expanding on tip No. 4, shy away from using glass bottles. Aluminum can be recycled much more efficiently than glass. Cans made from recycled aluminum only use about 5 percent of the energy it takes to manufacture a new can, according to National Geographic’s Green Guide.
6. Reuse your towels
Refrain from leaving your hotel’s towels on the bathroom floor for room service each day. Cleaning your towels uses a ton of water and energy, and many times the towels have only been used only once or twice.
7. Use organic sunscreen
If you’re like me, and don’t plan on wearing a shirt for the next week, sunscreen is going to play a key role during the break. Organic sunscreen lacks the chemicals that are detrimental to both your body and the environment. Make sure to recycle the bottle when you’re done!
Posts in The Alligreener appear on Fridays.
