ENERGY WASTE WATCH CHALLENGE

Energy

Turn off decorative lighting.
Study with friends to reduce the number of rooms with lights on.
Study outside, in the library, or other public spaces.
Replace bulbs with lower-watt bulbs. Compact fluorescent lights use 75% less energy then incandescent lights.
Don't use halogen lamps. One halogen lamp stand draws more power than the average computer!

Unplug appliances that are not being used or turn off the power strip or surge protector. Most appliances (e.g. TVs, VCRs, cordless phones, microwaves, cell phone chargers) consume energy even when switched off. As much as 10% of energy use for appliances is consumed in these “vampire” energy charges when appliances are off or after it has been fully charged.
Share a fridge with your roommate or friends and unplug yours.

If possible, use ink-jet printers since they consume 95% less energy than laser printers.
When you can use laptops, since they use 90% less energy than desktop computers.

During the heating season open blinds to let sun in or, if there isn't any sun, close them to trap the heat in.
During the cooling season close blinds, drapes and curtains to block sun.
If you can, turn down your thermostat. For each degree you lower your heat between 60-70 degrees, you save up to 5% on heating costs. Set the thermostat to 55 degrees at night or when away to save 5-20% of heating costs.
Avoid using personal space heaters, which use a lot of energy.

Wash clothes in warm or cold water, not hot.
Remember: only wash full loads.
When washing dishes by hand use a sink full of water instead of running water.
Buy a timer and leave it in the shower so that people can take set a time limit for themselves.
Ask about turning down your building’s hot water if it’s too hot.
Talk to fellow women about not running the water while they use the bathroom.
Check for and report leaks and drips in sinks, showers, and toilets. Report any leaks and drips in sinks, showers, and toilets to your Hall Director or to UNH Facilities Maintenance at 862-1437.