1. Plug electronics into a power strip and switch off the power when they are not in use; some electronics continue to draw energy even after they’re turned off.
2. Bike around campus and always wear your helmet!
3. Buy second-hand books, furniture, and clothing for big environmental and cost savings. Search Shop USask Textbook Buybacks or uExchange – USSU Textbook Marketplace to buy and sell textbooks and keep an eye out for Clothing Swap events on campus that happen throughout the school year!
4. Decorate with plants to help filter indoor air pollutants. View a list of common houseplants that have been found to be effective in cleaning indoor air.
5. Use your reusable water bottle
6. Choose reusables over disposable for dishware, silverware, shopping bags, mugs and bottles.
7. Wash only full loads of laundry and air dry them using a drying rack, which will not only save energy, but also preserve the quality of your clothing.
8. Opt for natural and organic food, personal care products, textiles (i.e. bedding and towels) and cleaners. Organic products are created with methods that can benefit the environment and avoid synthetic inputs.
9. Make sure of natural light during the day to save energy and boost your productivity.
10. Keep your space comfortable while using less energy. Set the temperature a little higher on warm days and lower on cooler days, rather than constantly adjusting the thermostat. When the air conditioning is running, keep windows closed so it doesn’t have to work harder to maintain the temperature.
11. Small changes can save a lot of water. Keep showers efficient and avoid letting the water run for too long before stepping in. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, and after each use, make sure faucets are fully turned off with no dripping.