Sustainability tips of the week

It's Monday, and there's no better way to make the most of the week starting before you're ready than to start a new tradition. (Disclaimer: There may be a better way.)

Each week, an Ecohouse member delegated to the task sends us all an email containing environmental tips of the week. These tips will now appear in the blog. This week's list is brought to you by Josh. Thanks, Josh!

What’s Happening Ecohouse! Here are the sustainability tips for the week…

In the dorm

* Enable your computer to go into "sleep mode" when not in use.
* Unplug appliances and electronics when not in use.
* Use natural light rather than electric whenever possible; make sure to watch out for peeping toms.
* Buy inexpensive mugs and plates that you can wash rather than disposable ones.
* Avoid over-packaged takeout food.
* Buy a water filter and refill a reusable container instead of buying cases of bottled water.

In the bathroom

* Take shorter showers; unless you start smelling like cottage cheese.
* Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth and shaving.
* Report leaky faucets and showerheads.
* Don't use the toilet as a garbage bin. Toss tissues and waste in trash cans.

In the laundry room

* Only wash full loads of laundry.
* Wash your clothes in cold water.
* Air dry whenever possible.
* Use products containing the least amount of bleaches, dyes, and fragrances.

In the classroom

* Use refillable binders instead of notebooks or use a laptop.
* Take notes on both sides of paper.
* If it’s OK with your professor, hand in assignments by printing on both sides of the page.

Soon, I will post about the field trip we took on the Anacostia River over the weekend.