Sustainability Tips From MESA

The Madison College Sustainability Alliance (MESA) would like to remind everyone during the summer to maintain sustainable practices. Listed below are sustainable tips that help provide everyone with ideas for “going green."

-Keep files on computers instead of in file cabinets
This also makes it easier to make offsite backup copies or take them with you when you move to a new office. Review documents on-screen rather than printing them out. (planetgreen.discovery.com)

-Turn off lights when leaving a classroom or office for more than 15 minutes. (Madison College Facilities)

-Turn off your computers when you leave the building
At one point, faculty and staff were asked to leave computers on all night for updating. That is no longer the case. You can help save energy safely by turning off your computers at the end of the day.

-When you print or photocopy, use both sides of each sheet of paper if possible.
The average office employee uses approximately 10,000 sheets of paper a year, creating a stack almost four feet high. (greenseal.org)

-Americans spend up to 10,000 times more per gallon for bottled water than they do for tap.
Save money by investing in a reusable water bottle. (greenguide.com)

-Using wheelchair access buttons greatly impact the indoor climate controls
It creates a wind tunnel in the building, and this affect is particularly bad in the wintertime. Do not use these buttons unless you absolutely have to. (Madison College Facilities)

-Use public transportation, carpool, walk, or bike whenever possible
Doing so reduces air pollution and saves on fuel costs. Leaving your car at home just two days a week will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 1,600 pounds per year. (epa.gov)

-Carry a tote bag for shopping
If you do have to use a plastic bag, reuse it. (MESA)

-Use recycled paper products throughout the office.
Separate your waste paper and take it to the local recycling center. Many cities have services that provide a waste paper container that is emptied on a certain schedule. (localcooling.com)

-Avoid styrofoam and other disposables
Use reusable dinnerware and coffee cups. (allbusiness.com)

Questions?
Contact NMeyer[at] matcmadison [dot] edu (Nancy Meyer) at (608) 243-4048.