Sustainability Green Cup 2008

How to Win the Green Cup Challenge

• Turn off lights, computers, printers, and other electrical devices when they are not in use (it uses less energy to turn a computer off and then reboot than to leave it on).
• Unplug chargers and turn off computer/television power strips when not in use. Those appliances create a phantom load, using electricity even when turned off.
• Switch incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent ones. CF bulbs use one-quarter the electricity of incandescents and last at least six-times longer.
• Use task lighting—instead of lighting an entire room, focus light where it's needed.
• Empty refrigerators use more electricity than full ones. If your dorm fridge is empty, fill milk jugs with water and place them in the refrigerator.
• Do you really need your mini-fridge? If you can bear to part with it, now is the time!
• Clean the dryer lint filter after each load.
• Do not use dorm elevators or other unnecessary energy-intensive devices.
• Use only EnergyStar-rated appliances.
• Use day light when possible—open your shades and let in some sun instead of turning on the light!