Environmentally Friendly Eating

Working with my fellow environmentally friendly eating enthusiasts on this recent tabling event was awesome. We learned a lot about where the food at Temple's dining services comes from, how many miles it travels from distribution centers just to get to our plates, and how that effects the environment on a basic level. We learned that just because something is healthy for your body to eat it doesn't mean that it's healthy for the air around us! Tabling for two nights in the Student Center was extremely entertaining and rewarding, as we got to educate those who were interested in our information, and talking with students outside the group always brings a new flavor into the experience. Remember that eating locally, seasonally, and organically are not always the easiest option, but if you are dedicated to the cause of our planet, it's a small step to take :-)


A few more pictures can be found here.
-Audra

SEA, I told you so! | Photographs from our events thus far

And also:

I'd like to thank SEA members for not being afraid of the camera.

Turn off your lights! | Top 7 Ways to Green Your Dorm Room

This is the first in a seven part series on "greening your dorm." 

Lights. Laptops. TVs. Those are my personal "Big Three" when it comes to appliances I use in my apartment. Whether I'm studying, reading, or unwinding after a long week there's a safe bet I'm using anywhere between one and all three electronics. 

And since I did some great statistical analysis, I'm fairly certain I represent your average college student. By now I bet you're fuming at the screen, "what does all this hoopla have to do with saving energy in my dorm?" Well, I was just getting to that part.

Turn off your lights

Sounds simple right? (Hint: it is.) If you've met my mom, or been around me for more than a few minutes, you'd know this point was harped upon for hours on end. Every time you leave a room, turn off the lights. 

I know what you're gonna say: "But I was only out for a few minutes (hours/days)!" Not gonna cut it. As proved by the MythBusters, it's more energy efficient to turn the light off EVERY TIME you don't need to use it. Like when you're out of the room.  

(Slightly) Off Topic: Why do you think SEA has that awesome lightswitch sticker program? Because it works, that's why!

Use CFL — or even better, LED — bulbs

Those squiggly little light bulbs are probably better to buy compared to the one based on Thomas Edison's design. You'll save more energy, replace less bulbs, feel good about yourself, and pick up chicks. Well, maybe not the last one.

Less power consumed by using less

I know, it's an Occam's Razor argument. Let me elaborate. I have three "lights" in my room: a desk lamp, one over the kitchen thing, and one over the living space. Do I really need all three to be on at once? 

Nope.

This last tidbit is the hardest to get used to since it probably affects your life more than the previous two. 

Just ask yourself. Say "self, do I really need to have all six lamps on my room while I watch TV?" If I can shovel enough guilt your way, the answer may be "no."

Be sure to read the next installment of "Top 7 Ways to Green Your Dorm Room."