Student bedroom decoration is taking on a new shade: green.
Jim Simon, an environmental educator, said that reasons for using green products and green practices go beyond saving money on bills. The earth's temperature will increase at least five degrees within the next few years if people do not change their ways, according to Simon. Resources, which everyone needs, are being depleted everyday and pollution has become a rapidly growing problem, Simon said.
Student benefits of being greener at home include reducing money spent on gas, electricity and food. Students can also set a good example for family and friends in order to make a bigger difference in spreading the word, according to Simon.
"Minor changes at home can mean major changes for the planet," Simon said.
Regular light bulbs can be changed out for compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL). CFL bulbs are not incandescent and use 75 percent less energy than regular bulbs, Simon said.
Students can use Energy Star appliances rather than regular ones. They use significantly less energy and can mean lower electrical bills for students.
Something minor that consumes a lot of unneeded energy is a cell phone charger. When plugged in, even if not in use, charges are still using energy, according to Simon. Students can remedy the situation by plugging chargers and other infrequently used electronics into a power strip that could easily be turned off.
"We make sure to turn off the lights and the TVs every time we leave our place," said Alexandra Miller, a junior pharmacy major.
Winterizing windows with weather stripping or plastic film prevents drafts during the cold, windy months and reduces heating bills.
Students should use organic cleaning supplies, HE detergent, and purchase bedding made of organic cotton, according to Simon. Each of these changes subjects students and the environment to fewer chemicals, Simon said.
Recycling, composting and reusing products before throwing them away are great ways for students to aid in waste reduction, Simon said.
"I have energy efficient light bulbs in my house and we recycle a lot," said Colleen Mcfayden, freshman accounting major. "The recycling bin is always full."
Water conservation is vital as well. This region owns 20 percent of the world's fresh water supply in the Great Lakes, and should use it sparingly. This can be as simple as taking shorter showers and turning the faucet off while brushing teeth, Simon said.
"All the products are not far from where anyone would normally go-Wegmans, Tops, Home Depot, Wal-mart, Target. Students going off the beaten path could try Lexington Co-op," Simon said.
Many students are adopting green practices in and outside their homes.
"We have the light bulbs, I use the cloth bags for shopping, and I ride my bike," said Alex Lima, freshman architecture major. "I was really involved in this sort of stuff in high school. I like it and want to learn more."
Students can find more information on this subject at the UB Green library or from the Natural Resources Defense Counsel Web site (nrdc.org/greenliving) and at the Sierra Club Web site (sierraclub.org).
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
