TLDR:
- Strive for 5. Take shorter showers to reduce water use.
- Reduce the Juice. Unplug devices when not in use to reduce Vampire Energy.
- Flip the Switch. Seek natural light and turn off all lights and devices when not in use.
Sustainability is a buzzword and gets jumbled into all types of conversations and contexts, but what does it actually mean? By definition, it means to be able to sustain something, an effort, a project, or our planet. How to live more sustainably is one of the most important skills a human being can learn in their lives. Below are a few ways you can begin to live more sustainability at NAU and beyond!
Strive for Five!
Flagstaff is located in the high desert. Sure, it’s not Phoenix and we have trees, but we still have a major water issue. Every year in Flagstaff, we use more water than we can refill from rain or snowstorms. That is why it is critical not to waste a single drop.
As a campus, we Strive for 5-minute showers.
Did you know showers use 2.5 gallons of water every single minute? So even a 5-minute shower uses over 12 gallons of water!!!!
Vampire Energy is EVERYWHERE
“Reduce the Juice” is all about electricity used through appliances like computers and TVs that remain plugged in ALL THE TIME. Most people do not realize that even when devices are turned off, they still use a significant amount of electricity. This effect is called “Vampire Energy,” and it could amount to about 10% of all electricity used.
Pro tips:
- Use power strips, which are easy to use and switch off once done.
- Unplug devices when not in use, like on holiday breaks or over a long weekend.
When in doubt, Flip the Switch!
“Flip the Switch” is all about reducing electricity waste due to lighting. Our campus gets a lot of great natural light, which is proven to boost your mood and academic performance!
If you must use a light, turn it off when the room is no longer being used. On campus, we work to turn off lights every time we leave a room for any period.
Pro tips:
- Turn off any lights when not in use.
- Use natural light when possible.
- Turn off all desk lights when leaving a space.
Rumor has it: Leaving lights on uses less energy than turning them off and then on again.
Fact! New technology reduces the surge of energy caused by turning the lights on unless in a large theater or sports stadium. You should always turn the lights off, if only for a minute.
For more information or to get involved with NAU’s Office of Sustainability, visit in.nau.edu/green-nau or email us at green@nau.edu.
Written by: Matt Muncha (2019)
