Create Greener Habits
- Turn off the lights when you leave a room.
- Turn off your computer when you are not using it.
- Change your incandescent light bulb to a compact fluorescent bulb, which uses only 2/3 the energy.
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! For more information on Skidmore's recycling program, please visit the recycling home page.
- Assess your ecological footprint. Ecological footprints are incredibly complex to quantify; however, estimating an ecological footprint can shed light on areas that have the greatest impact and help focus environmental efforts. To see an estimate of your ecological footprint, take an ecological footprint quiz.
- Close the loop: Consider buying materials that have a high recycled content.
- Unplug your appliances when not in use. Five percent of annual electricity consumption is due to appliances that are turned off, but still have that little glowing light. It's called a "phantom load." That phantom load sucks up 25% of the energy used annually by your TV. [More]
- Take the bus to downtown instead of driving. Skidmore has its own bus stop right in front of Case College Center. CTDA schedule (PDF)
- Take a walk. One gallon of gasoline releases about 19 lbs of CO2. By riding a bike or walking, you will burn about 35 calories a mile on a bike or 100 calories a mile walking. [More]
- Use a reusable bag instead of a plastic or paper bag. "According to the EPA, 380 billion plastic bags are consumed by the U.S. each year. [More]
- Support local farmers. Skidmore has a farmers market that comes to campus every Friday during the academic year. Also, there is the Saratoga Farmer's Market.
- Be conscious of your decisions and think about your actions. We can all green our habits and make a difference.
Helpful Links
Questions about local recycling and waste disposal: Earth911.org
Skidmore College YouTube video: Wasteful Subconscious
An educational video depicting full costs of consumption: The Story of Stuff
An ecological footprint quiz: Take the Quiz