One thousand four hundred and sixty pounds.
That is the amount of waste generated by an average American citizen in one year. That translates to 5,531,940 pounds of trash each year generated from Lewis’ student body.
Going green can come off as just one more pop culture catch phrase that doesn’t mean much to the average person. Celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger, who recently converted his famed Hummer to run on bio-diesel fuel, and Edward Norton, who is working to bring solar power to low-income housing, are leading the charge to “go green.” Unfortunately, converting your juggernaut SUV to run on vegetable oil or installing solar panels on your dorm are not exactly feasible solutions for Lewis University students.
There are countless practical ideas for the ordinary college student to reduce their carbon footprint. It is not uncommon to see students at the library printing out dozens of pages off a computer, only to use a few sheets. Printing only necessary information or copying into a notebook can reduce paper consumption dramatically.
Indeed, many professors have switched to issuing handouts and syllabuses over the Internet instead of making photocopies. Fluorescent light bulbs, which use 75 percent less energy, are quickly rising in popularity. Something as simple as switching off a light or unplugging electronics when not in use will not only help to conserve energy, but it will reduce monthly electricity bills.
There’s more to going green than light bulbs and electricity.
“I have reduced my personal weekly garbage to a simple plastic bag,” said Lee Witkowski, an Environmental Sciences professor. Several recycling stations for students to discard empty cans and bottles are now scattered across campus. Of course, simply taking the bottle home and filling it back up can extend that water bottle’s life span. Additionally, all-natural cleaning agents, from pet shampoo to laundry detergent, are far more affordable than in the past.
The pressure to reduce environmental impact does not rest solely on students. Lewis University administration must keep an environmentally-sound ethic for all future building projects and renovations as well.
Green roofs are gardens located on the top of buildings and have recently become popular in Chicago. They reflect heat from the building, cool the surrounding air, and scrub the oxygen we breathe.
By making use of triple paned windows and natural sunlight to illuminate rooms, heating and electricity prices can also be reduced.
“People will not receive awards for going green,” Witkowski said. “Satisfaction will come from simply doing it. That’s the motivation.”
Above all, Witkowski said, “It is a belief. The American people must think global and act local.” Going green is not as simple as using energy efficient light bulbs, or using less paper. Proper education and a change in beliefs are required to truly “go green.” Always remember that the power is yours!
Tips you may not have thought of:
- Carpool! Traveling in groups reduces the number of vehicles on the road. Not only will this cut down on pollution, it will also make traffic more bearable.
- Combine destinations into one trip. Instead of waiting until tonight to run to Target, stop there on your way home from school.
- Tossing your water bottle in the recycling bin is good. Taking it home to use for another day is better.
- Soaking crumpled newspaper pages in an equal mixture of water and white vinegar makes for an excellent window cleaning agent.
- Invest in an organic reusable bag for grocery shopping.
- Keeping your car tires at the proper inflation will reduce fuel consumption.
- Open your windows! The Environmental Protection Agency reports that indoor air is up to 90 percent more polluted than outdoor.
