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

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.

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

As the world continues to face environmental and sustainability issues head-on, more college students are becoming interested in what they can do to be a part of the green future, and a large portion of these students are in New Jersey.

While these students follow sustainable practices on their own, like recycling, conserving energy and reducing their carbon footprint, they are also starting to incorporate these practices with what they learn from green classes that focus on science, technology and politics.

As the world continues to face environmental and sustainability issues head-on, more college students are becoming interested in what they can do to be a part of the green future, and a large portion of these students are in New Jersey.

While these students follow sustainable practices on their own, like recycling, conserving energy and reducing their carbon footprint, they are also starting to incorporate these practices with what they learn from green classes that focus on science, technology and politics.

NJ Colleges Going Greener

It is projected that there will be over 4.2 million green jobs in the U.S. by the year 2028, so here are a few New Jersey colleges that are starting to prepare their students for a green future by offering going green classes:

• Bergen Community College – Partnered with local electricians to teach students how to install solar energy panels, and introduced classes for energy-efficient home construction and sustainable design.
• New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark – Recently created a “green careers” database with over 100 college majors related to green careers, such as sustainability science studies.
• Ramapo in Mahwah – Hoping to open a new sustainability center on campus and to get approval for new Masters degree in sustainability issues.
• Kean University in Union – Has new bachelor’s degree in sustainability.
• Montclair State University in Little Falls – Developing undergrad and grad classes in sustainability science.

Although New Jersey students are becoming more interested in green classes, so are students from around the world. Issues concerning the environment are something that everyone can relate to, so we hope that more colleges will be inspired to offer green classes.

Dorms are one area on campus that consumes an incredible amount of energy. Many students do not take the initiative to decrease their energy use. For those students who do care, this allows for the opportunity to make huge improvements in terms of energy use and costs at your school.  Here are some ideas that can help you convert your dorm to an eco-friendly living space.

Dorms are one area on campus that consumes an incredible amount of energy. Many students do not take the initiative to decrease their energy use. For those students who do care, this allows for the opportunity to make huge improvements in terms of energy use and costs at your school.  Here are some ideas that can help you convert your dorm to an eco-friendly living space.

Energy Efficient Lighting

Energy efficient lights may be initially more expensive than traditional light bulbs but they have a much longer life and use less electricity while providing the same amount of light. Since there are so many lights in dorm buildings making the switch to energy efficient lights will make a noticeable difference in energy usage costs as well as decrease maintenance spending due to less frequent replacement. Another small change that can help make your campus more eco-friendly is simply putting a sign by each light in common areas of dorms with a variant phrase of “turn me-off.”

Recycling Bins in the Hallway

Each room as well as hall should have recycling containers clearly labeled for paper products and plastic/glass products. Building-wide recycling for objects like batteries, ink cartridges, and cell phones would also help to decrease waste. Many students still use plastic water bottles due to their convenience—having visible recycling bins will help to increase their recycling habits. Small changes like this will make a large difference in the amount of recycling.

Low Pressure Shower Heads

Making the change to low pressure shower heads may take an initial investment, however they present a large money saving opportunity. At Doane College one dorm made the switch to low pressure shower heads and saved $6,000 a year. It was such a success that the school is taking steps to install them in all of the dorms. These shower heads were tested and rated by students who barely noticed a difference in water pressure. These shower heads save water and decrease costs.

Hall/Dorm Energy Use Tracking System

Another innovative idea from Doane College was to install an energy tracking system in one of their dorms that had a running clock of the amount of energy used by each hall. These numbers were then emailed to the dean on a daily basis. The idea behind this “energy clock” was to decrease student energy use through increased awareness. Other small change that incorporates this same idea is to put energy statistics by elevators or common area TVs. Some examples are:

• • Recycling one soda can provides enough energy to run a television set for three hours
  • For every two floors that you take the stairs you are saving the amount of energy needed to charge your cell phone

These are simple statistics that relate relevant things in a student’s life and may get them thinking about their choices, leading to green decisions.

Limit the Temperature Control Range System

One easy way you can cut down the amount of energy consumed by a dorm building is limiting the range of temperature settings on air control systems. Limit these systems to 68-74 so that students can be comfortable while still staying within reason. During the coldest months in the winter this range could be lowered by 2-4 degrees. This prevents students from cranking the heat to 76 degrees when it is in the teens outside as well as from cooling a room to the mid 60s when it is 90 degrees outside. This will save money for the university over time as well as allow students to be comfortable in their dorms and still maintain some control of the temperature. It is a win-win situation for the school, students, and the environment.

If you are already involved with green initiatives on your campus these may be just a few more changes you can implement on campus. If you are having trouble with funding green projects on your campus a great idea is charging a “green fee” that would be incorporated in each student’s tuition. This could range from $10-25 and be used strictly to fund green projects such as new shower heads or energy efficient lighting. Propose this idea to your SGA board or dean. When added to tuition the amount is negligible but when aggregated across the student body can help make a positive impact on the environment and a large step towards making your school a green campus.

Around the country universities are making strives to become eco friendly green campuses. Schools like Harvard use green tips of the month to keep their students on track. Other schools may host green weeks to promote awareness about the school’s environmental impact and working towards improving sustainability. Below is a list of tips and tricks from some of the highest rated green campuses.

Around the country universities are making strives to become eco friendly green campuses. Schools like Harvard use green tips of the month to keep their students on track. Other schools may host green weeks to promote awareness about the school’s environmental impact and working towards improving sustainability. Below is a list of tips and tricks from some of the highest rated green campuses.

1. BYOB- Bring Your Own (reusable!) Bottle

Whether you are drinking from a reusable water bottle to take to class or a coffee mug to refill in the morning, you are making a positive environmental impact. Even if you are an avid recycler, energy and waste is produced by the recycling process. Wouldn’t it be better to wash and reuse that water bottle? 17 million barrels of oil are used per annum in the production of water bottles. To put this in perspective, that means filling up ¼ of every water bottle produced with oil. Nearly half of bottled water is filtered tap water meaning your water will taste the same, be cheaper, and have a positive impact on the environment.

2. Ditch the Dumpster- Donate Reusable and Recyclable Items During Move-Out

Rather than throwing away extra goods like old clothes, blankets, shoes, rugs, appliances, etc. donate them through collection programs to underprivileged families or impoverished countries. If your school does not already have a donation program in place, talk to the housing office or dean of student activities to help establish one to make your campus eco friendly. Many students travel from out of state for school and transporting items back and forth can be costly, making it easier to buy new things the next year. This is why move-out is the best time to collect unneeded items. Reusable items should be donated while recyclable items should be sent to a recycling center.


3. Trash on the Quad

This is an event that is held at several schools throughout the country where one days worth of trash from each of the mail building is put out on a quad for the campus to see. This display is meant to give students perspective on the amount of garbage produced by the student body. This awareness event is aimed at promoting recycling and composting.

4. Changes to Food Services

Many campuses that have buffet style dining halls have gotten rid of trays in order to reduce food waste. This is not only one way for your campus to save money but also to generate less garbage. If students are only able to fill one plate of food at a time it is likely that they will take less food in the first place. While removing trays from dining halls is one way to reduce food waste, another approach is to weigh garbage thrown away in dining halls. As students throw their garbage away they can see the weight of the garbage bin increasing. This is usually food that could have been donated. Student awareness about the amount of garbage that is collected during peak eating hours is increased leads to a decrease in garbage produced.

By employing some of these tips collected from top rated green campuses you can work to make your campus more eco friendly. If you are already part of environmental awareness groups on your campus perhaps you can suggest some of these tactics.

The University of Denver recently started a new on-campus bike sharing program that was created by the school’s sustainability committee. This new program allows current DU students, faculty and staff to rent high-tech bikes for free from a special bike-lending library…all with the swipe of their DU identification card.

The bike share program offered at the University of Denver is part of a citywide bike sharing program that is set to launch in April of 2010. By then, the city of Denver hopes to have 600 bikes offered at 50 solar powered kiosks around the city.

More about the bike share program

So far the bike sharing program has been a success for the university. Students can rent the bikes for free and must return them by 7pm that same night. There is a late charge if the bike is returned after 7pm, and if it’s still not back after 3 days the student must pay the retail cost of the bike (which costs a pretty penny at several hundred dollars).

Here’s a video that explains more about the program:

Denver is already a green city, so this new bike share program is only making it greener and more sustainable in the long run.

If you’re having problems figuring out which universities are the most eco-friendly, look no further. We’re put together a list of green campuses that offer multiple environmental initiatives for students and faculty.

If you’re having problems figuring out which universities are the most eco-friendly, look no further. We’re put together a list of green campuses that offer multiple environmental initiatives for students and faculty.

The following list is of colleges and campuses around the United States, Canada, England, Scotland and US provinces that offer impressive green initiatives to improve carbon emissions. This list is not in any order.

1. College of the Atlantic (Maine) – This small university only has one major: human ecology. It comes as no surprise then that it was the first university in the US to pledge carbon neutrality.
2. Middlebury College (Vermont) - A handful of students and recent alums, along with scholar-in-residence Bill McKibben, helped organize the Step It Up 2007 campaign demanding action to fight climate change
3. EARTH College (Costa Rica) - Students from more than 20 different countries go through a four-year program to earn an agronomy degree as they learn to balance ecological preservation and agriculture. EARTH University’s ”rational use of resources” program aims to instill an eco-ethic in everyone on campus.
4. Harvard University (Massachusetts) – Harvard has made major investments in energy conservation in campus buildings, introduced a green cleaning service, and integrated local and organic produce into school cafeterias. Plus, 20 new-construction and renovation projects have been certified for green credits since 2002.
5. University of British Columbia (Canada) – Offering more than 300 sustainability-related courses, this Vancouver campus was Canada’s first and only university to receive Campus Ecology Recognition from the U.S.-based National Wildlife Federation, in 2003 and again in 2005.
6. Leeds University (United Kingdom) - The U.K.’s second-largest university, Leeds is a leader in eco-friendly waste management, and the school’s work in that area has won it a Green Gown Award [PDF] from U.K.-based HEEPI (Higher Education – Environmental Performance Improvement). By replacing trash bins with recycling containers, it doubled the amount of recycling happening on campus.
7. Yale University (Connecticut) – Yale has committed to reducing greenhouse-gas emissions to 10% below 1990 levels by the year 2020. To reach its goal, the university plans to tap into renewable sources of energy, purchase carbon offsets, make its energy systems more efficient, and build new buildings greenly.
8. Aquinas College (Michigan) – Aquinas prides itself on being the first US university to offer an undergraduate degree in sustainable business. The interest in this new major led to the creation of the Center for Sustainability.
9. Glasgow (Scotland) - Glasgow draws almost 45 percent of its electricity from renewable sources and is constantly on the lookout for new ways to reduce overall energy use.
10. University of Maryland (Maryland) – Around 91% of undergraduate students voted to actually raise their student fees to promote and pay for clean energy. If passed, the raise in fees around makes Univ. of Md the largest higher-ed purchaser of renewable energy in the US.

Campuses all over the country are turning on their green light and introducing, or improving upon, eco-friendly lifestyle initiatives for their students. From recycling to biking, universities are taking a stand against pollution!

Campuses all over the country are turning on their green light and introducing, or improving upon, eco-friendly lifestyle initiatives for their students. From recycling to biking, universities are taking a stand against pollution!

However, it can sometimes be challenging, and dangerous, to ride your bike to classes. However, the following schools put their heads together and came up with great ways to not only encourage green living and promote their green campus, but specifically became the best bike-friendly campuses in the United States!

1. Ripon College (Wisconsin)
   1. Ripon is a huge component of being a green campus, even if their campus is small (town population of only 7,500). They’ve created a program where students sign a pledge saying they won’t drive to school for the entire school year. They also pledge to participate in 10 hours worth of community service! Their prize? A brand new 2009 Cannondale F9 mountain bike… painted Ripon colors of course!
2. University of California – Santa Barbara (California)
   1. The school prides itself in its commitment to going green, and its Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) is one great way to push that agenda. One of the key components of TAP is to make cycling around campus a better experience.
3. Emory College (Georgia)
   1. Bike Emory is a project launched in 2007 that encourages more and more students to give up their gas guzzlers for a bicycle. Partnered with Fuji Bikes and Bicycle South, Bike Emory works to make the campus and surrounding community safer and more efficient for student cyclists.
4. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities (Minnesota)
   1. Not sure if you’ll have a spot to park your bike? Have no fear on the Twin Cities campus! Not only do they offer a map of all the areas where bike racks are, but they boast 6,500 bike racks.
5. Mount Holyoke College (Massachusetts)
   1. Mount Holyoke’s bike registration program has decreased vandalism and theft of bikes, keeping their campus green and safe.
6. Castleton State College (Vermont)
   1. The tiny 1,800-student strong Castleton State College is a big hit with cycling fans. In August 2009, the school launched its Castleton Community Bicycle Program, which allows for CSC students and faculty members to rent bicycles so that they may give up their fossil-fuel burning modes of transportation for a manpowered one.
7. Bates College (Maine)
   1. Since 2006 Bates has been turning their campus into a green campus; most notably with the creation of the Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge, which was converted from the remains of the old Lewiston-Auburn Railroad Bridge. The bridge offers walkers and cyclists alike a scenic journey over the Androscoggin River as they trek from Lewiston to Auburn or the other way around, without worrying about the interference of speeding cars.