VCU Goes Green

Tip #1: Buy nearby.
Growing your own food or supporting businesses that provide locally produced commodities can reduce fuel used for transport. You’ll also save money, eat better, create jobs and increase farmlands.
From the Environmental Protection Agency.

Tip #2: Bag it up.
Switch to reusable bags at the store to reduce the waste created by plastic and paper bags. If you don’t have a reusable bag, choose the type of bag you’re most likely to reuse for other purposes.
From the Environmental Protection Agency.

Tip #3: Turn it off.
Energy-efficient products can save families about 30 percent in energy costs, but turning off appliances and lights when not in use and cutting back on air conditioning and heating can also have an impact.
From the Environmental Protection Agency.

Tip #4: Illuminate.
Compact fluorescent lightbulbs are more energy efficient and can last seven years or more. Replacing your incandescent bulbs with CFLs can save you money on both energy bills and bulb replacement.
From the Environmental Protection Agency.

Tip #5: Stop the flow.
A family of four uses 400 gallons of water every day. Turn off the water while shaving or brushing teeth and wash only full loads of dishes and laundry to cut back on water usage.
From the Environmental Protection Agency.

Tip #6: Stretch it out.
VCU’s new BigBelly solar-powered trash compactors have five times the capacity of standard trash cans, meaning fewer collection trips and emissions reductions of up to 80 percent. Look out for them next time you need to toss your trash.
From BigBelly Solar.

Tip #7: Recycle.
More than 40 percent of waste in municipal landfills is paper. Recycling one ton of paper uses 64 percent less energy and 50 percent less water, creates 74 percent less air pollution and saves 17 trees. VCU’s Department of Environmental Conservation makes it easy with outdoor recycling stations and office collection.
From the Environmental Protection Agency.

Tip #8: Drive on.
A vehicle that gets just five more miles to the gallon could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15 tons and save you more than $1,500 over the life of your vehicle. Keep your vehicle properly maintained, including adequate tire pressure, and reduce cargo weight to improve your gas mileage.
From the Environmental Protection Agency.

Tip #9: Use less.
Since 1960, each person has almost doubled the amount of waste he or she creates on a daily basis. Nixing waste from the start by using permanent and reusable materials, such as rechargeable batteries, washable plates and utensils, and cloth towels and sponges can reverse this trend.
From the Environmental Protection Agency.

Tip #10: Walk it off.
As much as 40 percent of trips are less than two miles, and many Americans spend more than 20 percent of their income on automobile-related expenses each year. Walk, bike, carpool or use the Campus Connector shuttle bus for quick trips to reduce emissions and vehicle wear and tear.
From the Environmental Protection Agency.