The Loyola Marymount University community is always looking for more that can be done to reduce environmental impact and live sustainably. Here are some tips to adopt for living a greener life during your time at LMU, and they will help keep your utility bills down.
Reduce your Energy Use
- Adjust your thermostat. Keeping your AC on too high can result in a significantly higher electric bill and more energy drain. The California Flex Alert recommends keeping air conditioning set at 78° or higher.
- Unplug appliances when not in use. Idle appliances and cell phone chargers still draw electricity even when they are not being used. Also, always be sure to turn off your computer or put it to sleep when it is not in use.
- Don’t use a screen saver. Modern monitors do not need them and they consume energy unnecessarily.
- Use CFL bulbs. Swap out incandescent light bulbs for more efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.
- Avoid printing when possible. Paper is easily wasted and ink is costly! Be sure to recycle empty ink cartridges in the appropriate location.
Conserve Water
- Take shorter showers.
- Turn off the water when brushing your teeth.
- Run only full loads of laundry and dishwashers.
- Wash dishes with a sink full of water rather than a running faucet.
Recycle
- Use a reusable water bottle.
- Utilize reusable grocery bags rather than consuming wasteful paper or plastic bags.
- Practice double-sided printing, which can significantly reduce your paper consumption.
- Find out where the closest recycling area is to your home. This could be your own driveway, a designated area of your apartment complex, or a nearby recycling center.
Safeguard our Environment
- Consider taking public transportation. LMU Parking & Transportation lists a number of helpful resources for alternative transportation.
- Properly maintain your vehicle. Automobiles can leak many types of fluids that can get washed directly into streams and affect water quality.
- Never put aquarium plants or animals down drains or in to oceans, canals, or lakes. Many species found at pet stores are highly invasive and can ruin water quality for both aquatic species and human uses.
GreenLMU
Check out GreenLMU for more ideas on eco-friendly living!