Key Actions for Resident Students to Support Mason’s Climate Commitment

Turn it off!

Turn off lights, computers, and other appliances when not in use. Natural light from the sun is often adequate for ordinary needs. Set your computer to go to sleep automatically when left idle: sleep mode saves energy, but screen savers don’t. Plug your electronics and other appliances into power strips that can be shut off at the end of the day. About 40 percent of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off.

Shorten your shower.

Did you know that just pumping the water for a ten-minute shower requires the same energy as leaving your desk lamp on all day and all night? To make it a hot shower, add 1 ½ more days of that desk lamp. Saving water saves energy. Take a shorter shower, fight global warming, and put a smile on your roommate’s face.

Adjust your thermostat - Dress for the season.

Did you know the Commonwealth of VA recommends setting the thermostat at 68 in the winter and 78 in the summer? Heating and cooling are energy and carbon intensive and add significantly to the overall cost of campus housing. Keep your thermostat low in the winter and higher in the summer. When a pleasant breeze is blowing, open your window and turn off the AC.

Reduce-Reuse-Recycle.

Buy less stuff, avoid disposables, and recycle what you can. Bring your own coffee mug and water bottle to reuse. Americans spend more money on bottled water than on gas for their cars by five times as much. The total amount spent in 2006 was over $11 billion in the U.S. alone. By refilling, you can reduce the amount of bottles that end up in the trash, which is estimated at 60 million per day.

Eat less meat.

Livestock production is responsible for 18% of all greenhouse-gas emissions. The meat industry contributes to global warming by emissions of methane gas and also land and water degradation. Instead of ordering a burger, have a peanut butter & jelly sandwich and save as much as 2.5 pounds of carbon dioxide. Reduce your meat consumption and help reduce harmful emissions.

Take a class.

Did you know that Mason offers more than 125 classes related to the environment and climate change? Sign up for one that’s right for you. Consider a minor in Earth Systems Science or Science & Society. Meet others who care about the health of the planet.

Get active.

Organize a group in your residence hall to help reduce energy usage and promote green living. Join the student Environmental Awareness Group on campus. Write for the school newspaper. You can help make Mason a leader in reducing carbon emissions.



Link to the Sustainability Homepage