By Katelyn S. Irons | Echo
Sometimes we need a reminder to appreciate some of the most important things in life. April is Earth Month, the month when we can celebrate the earth that God has given us to use. Here are some tips on how to live responsibly green this month and throughout the year.
Reduce - Just use less.
Water and electricity were emphasized during Taylor's annual Sustain-TU-gether green competition, but reducing our use of resources is important elsewhere as well. Reducing electricity can be as easy as unplugging things when they aren't in use and turning off lights. The next step is taking advantage of the spring and opting for open windows instead of A/C. Just make sure you can actually turn off your A/C unit (Breuninger cannot) so you aren't conditioning the outdoors. The main point is think responsibly about how much you're using.Reuse - Think about creative ways to rework items.
If you go to the Grille, you probably have a hundred plastic bags in your room. Bundle them up and use them as garbage can liners.If you use paper in class to doodle, why not use the back of your last paper or exam? Don't just recycle-use less.
Sell your gently used items online instead of throwing them out. At the end of the semester, there is a lot of stuff that is thrown away. Plan ahead and post pictures and prices (or the magic word FREE) on Ebay or Facebook groups like "Free & For Sale."
Recycle - Don't throw it out unless you have to.
When buying something consider whether or not the packaging is recyclable. Instead of using aerosol air fresheners, use a plug-in (many of which are made of recyclable materials and are non-polluting) or potpourri (which is easily disposed of and organic).
Grille plastic cups, yogurt containers and even some coffee cups are recyclable. The important part is to rinse them out and recycle the paper cup separately from the plastic lid.
Some students have complained about there not being enough options to recycle in the dorms, with items like batteries and other types of metals not being accepted in the bins. However, the Boyd Building, located by the soccer fields, collects other recyclables like glass and electronic equipment.
Whether you believe in climate change or not, be sure to celebrate the planet that we have been given. Don't be a user and abuser; don't just take up space and create waste. Please live responsibly.Thumbnail photograph by Katelyn S. Irons.
