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Living the eco-friendly way

By Caitlin Evanson
IV Leader Staff

    Have you ever thought about how you are effecting the environment around you?
    As college students, this is something we need to think about because no matter what, it is our future. On a daily basis, students contribute to the pollution of the world around them; however, there are simple steps they can take to prevent this contamination to preserve our earth.
    Recycle is a word you hear at least once a day. You can help by recycling old cell phones, magazines, paper and even batteries.
    When asked if she recycles often, freshman Edin Stachowiak stated, “The only things I don’t recycle are pop cans and cigarette butts. Otherwise, I’m a go green tree hugger!”
    By visiting the Web site, www.thedailygreen.com, you can find out more ways to help out with recycling. Other simple things students can do in order to conserve our planet’s resources involve water.
    According to www.earthcarecanada.com, a typical shower head uses two to 10 gallons of water per minute. By limiting shower time and turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth, you are actually helping the environment in more ways than one.
    In fact, freshman Anna Weygand stated, “I’ve been helping conserve water for awhile now and I just realized it. I only shower two to three times a week!”
    Unplugging appliances that aren’t in use actually helps out as well. If you keep everything plugged in, it continue to draw power, which is not very helpful to keeping the environment safe. Everyday you use something that is plugged in; your cell phone charger, computer, television, hair dryers, or even hair straighteners. It’s actually really simple just making sure to unplug them when they are not in use.
    There are so many effortless things you can do to be eco-friendly. According to Seventeen magazine, your computer actually uses more than 30 times the electricity of your cell phone. So, next time you think about sending an email, save energy by sending a text message instead.
    Even getting rid of your old belongings can positively affect the environment. Perhaps you have old tennis shoes lying around, if this is the case, Nike offers a “Reuse-a-Shoe” program. This program collects old, worn-out tennis shoes and converts them into running tracks and basketball and tennis courts.
    By visiting www.nikebiz.com you can find a drop-off site near you.
    Now you have the knowledge and ideas you need to start living a more eco-friendly life. So, next time you are thinking that you have no effect on the environment; think again.
    Remember, you can help save the planet — one shower at a time.