Zen College Life

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I’m sure that by now the news has reached you. And if not, here goes.

GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK. That’s it. I said it.

It’s taking the world by storm. Contrary to popular belief, people actually do care. And not even just about themselves. They care about the future. And thus the new widespread GREEN MOVEMENT. Maybe Al Gore wasn’t crazy after all? Wait, let’s not go that far. He’s definitely crazy, he just had a few crazy ideas that happened to be true. We need to make some changes to ensure the environment is healthy for those who come after us. So, I’m going to give you a couple of tips about Living Green.

“Green Living: A lifestyle intended to ensure that one’s impact on the environment is as minimal (or as positive) as possible”

Ok, now some of these tips are easier than others. Do what you can and tell your friends. You will probably do more by picking the easy ones for you, and telling your friends than you will by doing them all and telling nobody.

1. Plant a tree

2. ride a bike every once in a while (instead of driving)

3. ride together (instead of 5 friends all driving their own car)

4. use Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (they are really cheap now and each bulb saves you an average of 43 dollars each year)

5. save water, shower together (if you are married of course)

6. unplug appliances when not in use (most appliances still use small amounts of power, even when off)

7. better yet don’t plug things in unless you are using them

8. eat less red meat (that is if you can handle it… some can’t)

9. wear more sweaters instead of turning up the heat (a few degrees lower will save a lot of power)

10. wash car with microfiber (it requires less soap and water and does a fantastic job)

11. get a water filter and reuse bottles (this one’s a double saver, less plastic in the landfills, and saves you the money of continuously purchasing bottled water)

12. brew your own coffee (less starbucks cups…)

13. buy canvas bags for groceries (they are larger and more durable than plastic, plus their cheap)

14. set up 3 little bins for recycling (paper, plastic, metals)

15. buy anything produced locally (saves on transportation impact)

16. open a window on a cool day (little known fact, cool air outside will cool your house just as well as you’re a.c.)

17. Aerated faucets (great for reducing water consumption in sinks and showers)

18. Programmable thermostats (turn ac/heat off after you leave, and back on right before you get home)

19. Clean lint traps (on your dryer, you’ll be saving a lot of power this way)

20. Change air filters (your house, your car, just about anything that has one)

21. Plant a garden (less transportation for your produce and as a bonus, free food)

22. Buy green furniture (made from renewable wood, processed with low or no formaldehyde… all of Ikea products fit)

23. Use green electricity (enough said)

24. And the number one way to make a real impact… Tell your friends.

What are your ways of living green. Tell your tips, I’d love to hear them.

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