LEDs use significantly less energy than other types of lights. LED lights can last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
Many household appliances drain energy when they are not in use. The NRDC estimated that “always on but inactive devices cost Americans $19 billion and 50 power plants’ worth of electricity annually.
Turning off the lights can save a significant amount of energy and reduce your carbon footprint.
AC units contribute to the urban heat island effect, and heating makes up a large part of energy use.
Water
Turning off the water when brushing your teeth can save 8 gallons of water per day.
Most showers use 2.5 gallons of water per minute!
Drinking tap water can save money and reduce plastic waste.
Using reusable water bottles significantly reduces plastic waste.
Many of our hygiene products contain chemicals that are harmful when washed into our water supply. Try using brands that try to mitigate their negative impact.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
In 2019, Ada County increased by 99,744.95 tons of compacted waste, recycling can help divert much of the waste from the landfill
Sustainable packaging reduces the ecological footprint at all stages in the product’s life cycle. It benefits both the producer and consumer to reduce their environmental impact.
Plastic bags can be very harmful to the environment, but cotton totes don’t use plastic. You can purchase your very own at the Bronco Shop.
The City of Boise has a lot of resources for donating items.
Decorations can create a lot of waste. There are many ways to reduce and reuse.
Fashion contributes to many negative environmental impacts. Purchasing products at thrift stores in Boise can help reduce those impacts.
Technological waste is hard to dispose of and creates a lot of environmental issues.
Paper use contribute to deforestation. You could be using half the amount of paper by printing double-sided. #ThinkBeforeYouPrint
Dining
Food waste can produce methane gases that contribute to climate change.
Disposable dining ware has large environmental impacts, reusing is always better.
Community food systems not only have produce that is fresh and local, they eliminate the use of pesticides and herbicides that can lead to potential health hazards.
Did you know that PETA’s Vegan Report Card gave Boise State Dining an A+ in their vegan options. Reducing meat consumption significantly decreases environmental impacts.
Laundry
Hot water uses a lot of energy. Cold water helps to save energy!
Full loads of laundry saves money and energy since you’re using the most amount of space for the same water use.
Most laundry products contain harmful chemicals. Using natural products is much safer.
Transportation
Cycling significantly reduces your carbon footprint compared to gas-powered vehicles. Don’t have a bike? Check out the Cycle Learning Center or the Boise Bicycle Project.
Using public transportation uses less emissions and takes up less space. Urban living can be very sustainable. Track the Boise State Shuttle.
Idling emissions are easily avoidable and mitigate air pollution.
Involvement
Find out about Boise State Sustainability events.
Search for “sustainability” as a key term and find results for sustainability-related courses across many disciplines in the myBoiseState Student Center’s “Class Search Enrollment.” The Department of Environmental Studies has great introductory courses to start.
Check out the different clubs on campus.
There are plenty of volunteer opportunities at Boise State.