In an effort to inspire incoming freshmen students to go green, the University of Virginia Bookstore and Housing Division have filled demonstration green dorm rooms full of eco-friendly products.

These green dorm rooms, which have everything from Seventh Generation trash bags and paper towels to green energy efficient microwaves, will be an alternative to traditional dorm rooms, which usually ignore sustainability efforts.

In an effort to inspire incoming freshmen students to go green, the University of Virginia Bookstore and Housing Division have filled demonstration green dorm rooms full of eco-friendly products.

These green dorm rooms, which have everything from Seventh Generation trash bags and paper towels to green energy efficient microwaves, will be an alternative to traditional dorm rooms, which usually ignore sustainability efforts.

So, what are some of the eco-friendly products that will appear in the green dorm rooms? Here are a few:

• Fabric softener
• Trash bags
• Paper towels
• Multi-surface cleaners
• Computers
• Refrigerators
• Microwaves

Most importantly, all of the electronic products will be top-rated for energy efficiency, so the students will see firsthand the benefit of energy conservation. Plus, students can purchase all of the products displayed in the green dorm rooms at the UVA Bookstore.

This is a great way to get incoming students to realize the benefits of going green, so we hope that other college campuses will do the same thing! Oh, and as an added bonus, the UVA website also offers Green Move-in Tips for new students.

Check out these other blog posts on colleges that have also gone green:

• Bates College Turns Trash to Treasure with Annual Trashion Show
• California College Students Hope to Win Solar Decathlon
• Warren Wilson College EcoDorm Goes LEED Platinum
• Montana State University to Store CO2 Underground

Source: UVA Today

Recently, we saw the Plastiki – a sailboat made out of 12,500 plastic bottles – complete its 15,000 km journey from San Francisco to Sydney. The publicity surrounding this event has been used to highlight the perils facing the oceans and one of them is plastic waste.

Recently, we saw the Plastiki – a sailboat made out of 12,500 plastic bottles – complete its 15,000 km journey from San Francisco to Sydney. The publicity surrounding this event has been used to highlight the perils facing the oceans and one of them is plastic waste.

A big mess in the oceans
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), over 13,000 pieces of plastic litter the surface of each square kilometre of ocean.

Charles Moore, the scientist credited for discovering the Pacific Garbage Patch said earlier this year: “Humanity’s plastic footprint is probably more dangerous than its carbon footprint.”

We’ve heard of the Pacific Garbage Patch, now scientists are warning that a floating mass of scattered refuse extends over thousands of square miles in the remote Atlantic.

Marine life – the victims of our plastic pollution
The NOAA estimates 100,000 turtles and marine mammals are killed by garbage every year. Turtles are particularly vulnerable as they cannot distinguish between jellyfish (their staple feed) and plastic.

Plastic pollution is also a hazard to human safety. Waste can clog up waterways and this can have catastrophic consequences. Plastics were identified as a major contributor to severe flooding in Bangladesh in the late 1990s and in the aftermath, a total ban was imposed on plastic bags.

An expensive mess
Plastic waste is expensive. Plastic products may be cheap to produce – just pennies for a typical shopping bag – but their cleanup (not to mention their effects on human and environmental health) can cost a lot more.

Is biodegradable plastic the solution?

It’s worth bearing in mind how plastics are made. They are petroleum products made from a non-renewable source and dependency on oil is continued with plastic use. Plastics do not break down easily. The time required for a typical plastic bag to decompose is believed to range from 20 to 1,000 years.

Biodegradable plastics have been around for over twenty years. These are made using products such as corn, hemp and soy. While this is not a solution to the plastic waste problem (because biodegradable plastics can also have an environmental impact), it is a serious consideration within the wider scheme of waste management.

Reduce, reuse, recycle
The fact of the matter is, if you use it, it has to end up somewhere. Only by following the three Rs motto, can the plastic problem be dealt with.

Using less plastic
The simple solution is to not create the waste in the first place.

Is that bottle of soda or water really necessary? Less than 20 per cent of plastic water bottles are recycled. We also have to ask ourselves if we really need those extra household items that won’t be in use for long and will create more waste.

Recycling is everyone’s responsibility
It is estimated that between 3 and 6 per cent of plastics are recycled around the world. There is need for improvement. The mindset has to change from “disposable” to RECYCLABLE.

Companies who have taken initiatives to make their products more recyclable are seeing rewards. At the government level, those municipalities and local governments that have incorporated recycling into their waste management schemes are dealing with significantly less waste going to the landfills.

Consumers have to play their part by making a greater effort to recycle. Too many recyclable items are still going to the landfills.

Dispose properly
We shouldn’t forget this important aspect. Carelessly tossed waste is more likely to end up in the waterways than if it was placed in a disposal unit. 80 per cent of ocean plastics come from land.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lou_Kawakami

There are plenty of things that universities have been doing, but there are also items that individual students can do to make a green campus thrive and support having an eco-lifestyle. Here are 10 environmentally friendly ideas for dorm rooms, apartments and campus life in general to make your campus a more eco friendly campus.

Universities around the country are doing everything they can to become a green campus. From the ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ campaign to using naturally fueled buses, being an eco friendly campus is not only the “in” thing, but the smart thing.

There are plenty of things that universities have been doing, but there are also items that individual students can do to make a green campus thrive and support having an eco-lifestyle. Here are 10 environmentally friendly ideas for dorm rooms, apartments, classrooms and campus life in general to make your campus a more eco-friendly campus.

1.    Recycle everything, especially paper!
The amount of paper a college student goes through per semester is insane; between class notes, scrap copies, term papers, student newspapers, graphs and pictures printed out plus countless other random items add up. We know that these things can’t be avoided, but the way you handle the use of all the paper can really help create a better green campus. Look for recycling bins by garbage bins, dorms, restaurants and classrooms.

2.    Use your printer wisely
Teachers usually don’t mind if they read papers that are printed using both sides of the paper. This is a huge way to save on paper. Also, to save ink, use the low quality settings on items that don’t need to look too nice or that are just text. Lastly, think about what you’re printing out. If you can show someone the website on a screen, do it. You don’t need to print it out.

3.    Limit the use of disposable cups and plates
Whether you’re in a dorm or moving into your first off-campus apartment, the temptation to buy disposable cups and plates is huge. However, this not only is bad for the environment, but it’s bad for your student finances as well. Buy cheaper plastic plates and cups; one package usually has four sets which are generally enough for one set of roommates. Wash these by hand or throw them in the dish washer if you have one (and remember to only run the washer when it is full to save water).

4.    Limit the use of paper napkins
We’re not telling you to eat cleaner, but we’re telling you to not overdo it. Generally, a lot of fast food and take out is eaten by college students, which means a lot of napkins get grabbed on the way out. Limit the amount you grab!

5.    Use compact fluorescent light bulbs
This is a good bit of advice for those college students who are paying their own electric bills. These bulbs might be slightly more expensive than regular ones, but will decrease your energy intake, last longer and ultimately save you money. These are good for dorms as well. Lamp light is a lot more pleasant and environmentally efficient than overhead dorm lighting.

6.    Walk, bike, and limit the use of your car
Most campuses, especially those that are trying to become a more eco friendly campus, have pretty good public transit. On top of that, almost all universities are pedestrian friendly. Walking or biking will not only help make your campus a green university, but will help you avoid the freshman (or sophomore, or junior) walkers. If you must drive, try to find others who need to as well, and carpool to save emissions.

7.    Buy green
Buy recycled goods as much as possible. Paper, cleaning products and water are products that can be purchased as a recycled good. They’re slightly more expensive than the normal products, but it’s worth it to make a green campus.

8.    Use refillable binders instead of notebooks
This is a simple way to save waste. Whenever the semester is done you can take out your notes, staple and save, then use the binder for the next semester. If you really want to take an extra step to make your campus greener, use your laptop to take notes at class.

9.    Carry a water bottle
Not only will this save the environment by decreasing the amount of plastic waste on your campus, but will also help keep you hydrated and your metabolism high. A water bottle can be refilled at any water fountain and can easily be drank in class or while riding a bike.

10.    Buy used clothing
Usually thought of as something to do to save money, it is also good for the environment! Recycling clothes minimizes the use of resources to make clothing and puts a dent in the problem of worldwide sweatshops.

Everyone is looking to save a buck or two these days… but saving some time wouldn’t be too bad either. Advertising a green campus while keeping up with your classes and lifestyle can be a challenge, but here are 5 eco friendly living tips that will shave off a few dollars – and a few hours – from your hectic life.

Everyone is looking to save a buck or two these days… but saving some time wouldn’t be too bad either. Advertising a green campus while keeping up with your classes and lifestyle can be a challenge, but here are 5 eco friendly living tips that will shave off a few dollars – and a few hours – from your hectic life.

Shop Online

Not only will this eco friendly tip help your green travel ways by reducing your carbon footprint by not driving, you will also save gas, gas money, and time. Yes, you won’t be able to try things on, but almost all online stores nowadays have great return policies if you really don’t like it. Not only can shopping online save you time, but you can also find great products at discount sites like Ebay and Amazon.

Drink from the Tap

Drinking from the tap will not kill you; people have been doing it for years! Green living experts actually recommend children being exposed to tap water because it allows them to come in contact with any natural bacteria without harming them. It builds their immune system up while also saving you hundreds of dollars a year.

Taking Public Transit/Biking to Work

This eco friendly living tip obviously coincides with not only saving money but decreasing pollution as well. This is an especially good tip for those city dwellers. Many individuals who live in the city think driving is more efficient, but taking mass transit or riding your bike can get you to work with a smaller carbon footprint and cheaper. How is it cheaper you might ask? Ever think of the gas you’re wasting stopping and starting from stoplights and stop signs? Or, how about the daily price of the parking garage downtown? Using public transit or biking helps solve both those problems.

This is the time of year where universities are bombarded with high school juniors and seniors looking into the universities they want to apply to or have already been accepted to. Parents and students alike come prepared with tons of questions to ask campus representatives. One question that previous representatives haven’t had to prepare was the sustainability question: Is your campus a green campus?

This is the time of year where universities are bombarded with high school juniors and seniors looking into the universities they want to apply to or have already been accepted to. Parents and students alike come prepared with tons of questions to ask campus representatives. One question that previous representatives haven’t had to prepare was the sustainability question: Is your campus a green campus?
The leaders of tomorrow have realized they’re inheriting a world that needs a major facelift in the environmental department. In fact, according to a 2006 MTV/CBS poll, most Americans aged 13-24 think environmental degradation will be the biggest challenge their generation will face. A huge chunk of that population is now looking into a collegiate career. Being an eco friendly campus has developed from a mere afterthought to a very important aspect in recruiting students.

The green campuses that are taking hold of this trend have recognized there is a difference between having recycling bins outside classrooms and a full-fledged sustainability campus initiative.

What are some tips that colleges have learned from readings and studies? When looking for an eco friendly campus, take these into consideration…

• Both the visible and non-visible evidence that a campus is a green campus is essential, but not necessarily equal. Studies have shown potential students look for visual proof of an eco friendly campus. However, it is just as important to highlight the invisible green efforts produced by the school like carbon footprint reduction measures.
• Digging below the surface of what is seen at a campus visitation is important – colleges have educated their staff to know all the environmental issues their school has prevented or been a part of, so make sure to ask them!

Here are some questions to ask representatives about how green their campus is. The following questions were put together by the research of the Rocky Mountain Institute, a group who recently published the book “Accelerating Campus Climate Initiatives”.

• Has the college signed the American College and University President’s Climate Commitment?
• Are they completing or have they completed a carbon inventory?
• Have they developed an actionable sustainability plan?
• Does the school have any achievements or recognizable qualities for environmental commitment?

Remember, if the campus reps for the green campus initiatives don’t know the answers to those questions, ask someone else! Making sure your university is a green university will not only help your generation take what they were given and turn it into something better, but make a mark for future generations to enjoy Mother Earth.

From environmental engineering to climate activism, careers in the “green” field are growing by leaps and bounds.  Whether you’re looking to change professions or are just getting started on your education, the environmental industry shows a promising future.  Accredited online universities are keeping up with this fast-paced industry by offering numerous areas of study for those green-minded students.

From environmental engineering to climate activism, careers in the “green” field are growing by leaps and bounds.  Whether you’re looking to change professions or are just getting started on your education, the environmental industry shows a promising future.  Accredited online universities are keeping up with this fast-paced industry by offering numerous areas of study for those green-minded students.

Ashford University

“Be part of the solution” – that’s Ashford University’s motto when it comes to their bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies.  The interdisciplinary curriculum for this area of study focuses on science, social science and the humanities while teaching students the impact civilization has had on nature and finding possible solutions to these environmental problems.

The Environmental Studies degree requires courses such as Dependence of Man on the Environment, The Environment & the Human Spirit, Scientific & Technical Writing, and GIS Software Application.  These courses cover a range of general practices and studies in the environment including ecology, biology, ethics, public policy, and energy production.  Classes are taken one at a time for five week periods allowing for an accelerated graduation.  A total of 120 credits are required to graduate with this online degree.

Kaplan University

Kaplan University offers both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Environmental Policy & Management.  This area of study explores environmental issues as they have to do with the public and private sectors, economics, and society.  The core courses in science, economics and policy are taught by faculty from a diverse background of disciplines providing students with a comprehensive education in environmental studies.  Curriculum focuses on environmental sustainability, current pressing environmental problems, application of new concepts and methods, as well as ethics and law.  A total of 180 credits are needed to complete the bachelor’s degree program.

Students who enter into this online university bachelor’s degree program may be eligible to continue to pursue their master’s degree in Environmental Policy on a fast track by taking graduate-level courses during their undergraduate work.  Students in the master’s degree program in Environmental Policy are taught how to develop strategies in collaboration with other professionals, conduct independent research, and address specific environmental issues.  A total of 55 credits are needed to complete the master’s degree program.

Nova Southeastern University

The Oceanographic Center at Nova Southeastern University offers students a master’s degree in Coastal Zone Management.  This area of study focuses on contemporary problems and conflicts that come from an increased use of coastal areas.  This program emphasizes alternative policy management solutions for today’s coastal problems.

This program must be completed within five years of registration; however courses do not need to be taken over consecutive semesters.  Core courses for the coastal zone management degree include Biostatistics, Marine Chemistry, and Concepts of Physical Oceanography.  For those on the capstone course 45 credit hours are required for.  Students who select to take the thesis track only need 39 credits.

University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix offers a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, providing students with a comprehensive knowledge of the relationship between scientific principles and the environment.  Topics that are emphasized throughout this area of study include global health, risk assessment, ethics, environmental law, as well as biological and ecological fundamentals.  The minimum credit requirement for this degree program is 120 credits, including some credits in both mathematics and writing.

Originally posted on http://www.universityfacts.com by Kristiana Del Grande

According to the National Geographic documentary Human Footprint, Americans consume about 989,985,594,240 half gallons of milk over the course of a lifetime.  This is good news because it shows that we are staying healthy by consuming milk, but it’s also bad news because it means we are creating more waste when we throw these plastic milk jugs away.

According to the National Geographic documentary Human Footprint, Americans consume about 989,985,594,240 half gallons of milk over the course of a lifetime.  This is good news because it shows that we are staying healthy by consuming milk, but it’s also bad news because it means we are creating more waste when we throw these plastic milk jugs away.

Although you should recycle plastic milk jugs by taking them to the recycling center or placing them on the curb for recycling pick-up, not everyone does. One way to recycle these gallon plastic milk jugs is to reuse them for other handy purposes.

Here are 10 tips for reusing plastic milk jugs:

Yarn Dispenser

Cut the top of the milk container off just enough so a ball of yarn and your hand can fit into the hole. Once the ball of yarn is in take the end of the yarn and bring it through the handle of the milk jug. This is a great way to keep the yarn from getting tangled together!

Scooper

For an easy way to scoop up kitty litter, dirt or anything else, cut off the top of milk jug right above the handle. You can then hold onto the handle and scoop up whatever you need to.

Bird Feeder

Instead of buying an expensive bird feeder try making your own! Check out these Milk Jug Bird Feeder Instructions for an easy way to feed the birds.

Or you can watch this cool YouTube video:

Funnel

This is one of the easiest homemade funnels to make. All that you need to do is to cut off the bottom of the milk jug right below the handle, turn it upside down and pour.

Piggy Bank

With the lid on the top of the milk jug, cut a small slit opposite of the handle and drop in your change. You can even use markers, paint or stickers to decorate your piggy bank.

Plant Base

Instead of buying a potted plant base or saucer you can just off the bottom of the milk jug and place the pot inside.

Meat Separator

It’s never good to see your hamburger patties sticking together once they’ve been in the freezer. To prevent this from happening you can cut the milk container into small circles or squares and place them between the patties.

Plastic Bag Dispenser

Cut a small hole across from the handle and then put in your plastic bags. You can take the bags out one by one from the hole whenever  you need one.

Toilet Bowl Brush/Plunger Holder

Cut a hole across from the handle that’s big enough for the toilet bowl cleaner or plunger to fit through.

Dustpan

With the lid still on, turn the milk jug container upside down and cut the top off at an angle. This is a great alternative to traditional dustpans.

Most people cringe at the word diet, but no matter if you’re a struggling senior with a budget only for Ramen Noodles, or a senior trying to make the world a little better for your grandkids, these five (and a half) eco-friendly diets will help not only your waistline go down, but your carbon footprint as well.

Most people cringe at the word diet, but no matter if you’re a struggling senior with a budget only for Ramen Noodles, or a senior trying to make the world a little better for your grandkids, these five (and a half) eco-friendly diets will help not only your waistline go down, but your carbon footprint as well.

These diets are simple, easy to manage, and cost effective.

1. Real Food Diet – If grandma wouldn’t call it food, neither should you! The Real Food Diet consists of eating foods with little to no unpronounceable ingredients. Many food products in your local grocery store are packed with unnatural and processed ingredients which can retain fats in your body.
2. Locavore Diet – Stimulate your body and the local economy by buying foods produced within 100 miles of where you live. Farmer’s Markets are a great source of local fruits and vegetables, as are local bakeries and food co-ops for baked goods and other products. Local foods tend to be less processed, giving your body natural vitamins and proteins it needs to stay healthy and trim fat.
3. Eco Atkins Diet – The traditional Atkins Diet is packed with animal fats, far from green and only questionably healthy. But this eco twist follows the same carb-to-protein ratio using plant-based proteins like soy, beans and no-starch gluten instead. Researchers found dieters lost weight and reduced their bad (LDL) cholesterol levels at the same time.
4. Vegetarian Diet – Did you know that eating a veggie diet can reduce your carbon footprint by a ton? Your water footprint (as well as water weight) will significantly decrease as well. Keep in mind you can still have eggs and dairy. You also want to make sure to fill up on healthy produce and legumes so you don’t fill up on carbs.
5. Vegan Diet – This diet is not for the faint of heart. You need to be dedicated and strong-willed, willing to take the extra step from vegetarian to vegan. Vegan diets are like vegetarian, although they also take out any animal-based products like dairy and eggs.

If the vegetarian and vegan diets are too much for you to handle, try a flex diet. Flex diets designate certain times when you are allowed to eat meat, like the weekends, every other day, etc. It weans meat off your diet slowly but still allows you to indulge those burger cravings that everyone seems to have!

Becoming eco-friendly in the world today is gaining in popularity in every age group. Making the choice to buy organic and bio-friendly products can be costly, which is not always an easy option for starving college students.  Be the hero, and show the campus how to be Earth conscious with these green campus savvy tips.

Becoming eco-friendly in the world today is gaining in popularity in every age group. Making the choice to buy organic and bio-friendly products can be costly, which is not always an easy option for starving college students.  Be the hero, and show the campus how to be Earth conscious with these green campus savvy tips.

• Clean your dorm or apartment using inexpensive and green cleaners

Replace these cleaning products with these natural mixtures in inexpensive water bottles. Stain remover = baking soda and a little water; Counter/tile cleaning products = equal parts water and white vinegar

• Lights off!

When you leave your apartment turn off your TV, lights, ect. to save energy.  When you leave for break for more than a few days, unplug what you can because even if something is off it still consumes energy while plugged in.

• Recycle

Start a recycling bin to separate trash from recyclable goods.  In states like Vermont, Maine, Michigan, and New York, you can receive cash for cans; some states even pay up to 10 cents.  A bag full of empty soda cans could be a free slice of late night pizza.

• Walk to classes

Save money on gas by buying a bicycle or simply walking instead of driving.  Parking passes and rising gas prices add up, spend the money on something for you, while getting exercise at the same time and reducing your carbon footprint.

Banana peels are famous for causing slips, but now scientists find they could keep pollutants from slipping into your water.

Banana peels are famous for causing slips, but now scientists find they could keep pollutants from slipping into your water.

Past research had shown that coconut fibers, peanut shells and other plant materials could remove potentially toxic heavy metals such as lead and copper from water. Mines, factories and farms can all generate such waste, with the potential to harm one’s health and the environment. And current methods for purifying water of heavy metals are expensive, with some materials used in the process being poisonous themselves.

Scientists at São Paulo State University in Brazil and their colleagues wanted to see if banana peels could also act as water purifiers. This material already has a surprising number of potential uses, including polishing items like silver and leather shoes.

The researchers found that minced banana peel performed as well or better at removing copper and lead than many other filtering materials, quickly removing both from water in the Paraná River in Brazil.

They noted that a purifier made of layers of minced banana peel could be used up to 11 times without losing its metal-snagging properties. Synthetic materials can be reused more times, but natural materials are dramatically cheaper and do not require chemical processing to work.

The scientists detailed their findings online Feb. 16 in the journal Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research.

This story originally published in: LiveScience.com