Some Easy Tips for a GREEN Dorm Room

							        SEAC’s Easy Tips for a GREEN Room
1. Don’t overbuy. Many big box stores will try to tell you what you “need” at college, but the
   truth is, what you need at school isn’t much different from what you need as home. Bringing
   items from home will cut costs and reduce waste from packaging. Lawn trash bags, rather
   than boxes and suitcases, work well for packing up clothing, equipment, etc., fit better in your
   car, and can be reused for taking your trash to the dumpster after you unpack.
2. Buy efficient appliances. Look for the Energy Star symbol when buying appliances like
   TVs, refrigerators, etc. Using compact florescent light bulbs instead of incandescent lights
   will also cut down on the energy you use. When shopping for a computer, consider buying a
   laptop or LCD display for your desk top computer instead of an energy-wasting CRT monitor.
3. Talk with your roommate, coordinate purchases, and save money and space! Avoid
   bringing duplicates.
4. Remember, your room is small. Less stuff means less clutter, which means more space.
   Rooms are equipped with a bed, desk, chair, dresser, closet, towel bar, and mirror for each
   person. Most of our students say the well-intentioned organizational aids they bought never
   got used anyway.
5. Consider buying recycled paper and school supplies with post-consumer content and
   purchase sweatshop-free or used clothing.
6. Don’t sweat it if you forget it. St. Mary’s is a rural college, but we aren’t on the moon! We
   have a variety of stores located just 15 minutes from campus. If you’re in doubt about a
   purchase, wait until you’re moved in and have a need for it.
7. Look for alternative ways to outfit your room. Use this list of places to find cheap, used,
   or free dorm equipment:
         Craigslist http://www.craigslist.org/
         Freecycle http://www.freecycle.org/
         Pennysaver http://www.pennysaverusa.com/
         Classified adds in your local newspaper
         Thrift shops


                             You DON’T need all that stuff!
Listed below are room-outfitting suggestions from a big box retailer…
The retailers say you need…                          The students say you need…
- Two sheet sets, comforter, duvet cover, sleep      - 1-2 sets extra-long sheets, 1-2 blankets, 1-2
mask, toss pillows, inflatable bed, accent rugs,     pillows, reading lamp.
down comforter
- Bowls, plates, mugs, forks, knives, spoons (4      - 1 each bowl, mug, plate, knife, fork and
each), 5 chip clips, microwave, refrigerator,        spoon, Brita filter pitcher, water bottle, hot pot.
blender, toaster oven, coffeemaker, George           Toasters, toaster ovens, grills, halogen lights
Foreman grill, snack table                           and anything else with a heating element are
                                                     not allowed in St. Mary’s residence halls.
- Storage trunk, 3 under-the-bed containers, 4       - There’s not enough space for both the
storage boxes, CD or DVD storage, 4 bed              organizers and you! Hangers and a few storage
risers, folding book case, over-the-door             crates will suffice. Talk with your roommate
storage, shoe rack, storage cart, 24 hangers,        before buying something large like a bookcase.
mesh cubes, 3-6 milk crates, modular storage
shelves, 4 drawer organizers, duffle bag
- Lap desk, floor lamp, paper shredder, bed          - Dry erase board and poster tack.
rest, one touch stapler, dry erase board, desk
lock…
Brought to you by SEAC, the Student Environmental Action Coalition! An SGA-sponsored club.