Last week, our Buckeyes Abroad intern reflected on the environmental consciousness she took home with her from studying abroad in Australia. We’re always pleased when students retain valuable knowledge and implement it upon returning home. Our Wolfpack Abroad intern, Robert Smith, also learned the same concepts while studying in New Zealand and shares this:
Many of us understand that we have an impact on our planet and have the desire to live a lifestyle that lessens this impact. Multiple AUIP study abroad programs highlight the topic of sustainability, thereby helping hundreds of students each year learn about the subject and ways to live greener. Here are a couple simple tips to aid in living a more sustainable lifestyle.
Unplug unused electronics
In an effort to save energy, you should always unplug your cell phone, media player, laptop and other devices after completion of charging. Electronic devices that are plugged into an outlet can still draw power even when not being used, so it is beneficial to disconnect the device at a full battery charge. When your desktop computer is not in use, be sure to it’s shut down. You can also set it to “sleep mode” instead of the screensaver to limit energy use. You will save energy in your home and also reduce your electricity bill.
Limit shower time
Some of us take comfort in having a nice long hot shower. It can feel like a mini vacation from the daily gr
ind, but the green benefits of a shorter shower are too positive to ignore. According to the EPA, a common shower head uses 2.5 gallons of water per minute, so a 12-minute shower would use 30 gallons. By reducing your shower time by simply a few minutes, you can save a significant amount of water. A shorter shower saves not only water but energy too. Energy is required to raise the temperature of the water to the desired warmth, so less time in the shower equals more energy saved.
To extend your green living when you’re on the road, be sure to read Suitcase: Environmentally-conscious packing and traveling tips.
