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.