August has arrived, which means it’s time to prepare for your on-campus arrival. Knowing that decisions on what to bring to Yale have an impact on student lives and the environment, we have created a list of eco-friendly recommendations to guide you through the packing process. The more of them you use, the lighter your footprint and the greener your Yale dorm will be.
Make a game plan
The first step towards creating an environmentally friendly dorm is reducing waste. As you go through your packing list, consider how much you really need to bring with you. Every year, Yale donates 60,000+ lbs. of unwanted materials during the move-out process. Reducing the amount of personal belongings that are discarded during move-out will help Yale achieve its sustainability goals.
Communicate with your suitemates ahead of time about what they will bring and what you may be able to share, such as televisions and furniture. Less furniture and fewer electronics mean less waste during move-out. It also reduces the chance of unnecessary and potentially hazardous materials entering the waste stream.
Bring energy-efficient appliances
Check for Energy Star certified products whenever possible, including computers, TVs, tablets, audio/video equipment, and many more items. Energy Star products meet strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the Environmental Protection Agency, which guarantees that energy use will be lower than with regular appliances.
We recommend LED light bulbs for your desk lamp, which use less energy and will last past your graduation date. According to the EPA’s Energy Saver program, “Residential LEDs—especially Energy Star rated products—use at least 75% less energy, and last up to 25 times longer, than incandescent lighting.” Quality light bulbs means fewer replacements.
Purchase eco-friendly personal care and cleaning products
As you pack, check to see which laundry detergents, hand soaps, and cleaning products are listed on the EPA’s Safer Choice website. Safer Choice products contain ingredients that are safer for human health and the environment.
Pack everyday reusables
Bring your favorite reusable water bottle, mug, and utensils. Additionally, the journal Science Advances reported that “the United States generates more plastic waste than any other country in the world—producing 42 million metric tons, or 286 pounds per person, in 2016 alone.” Limiting one’s individual usage can contribute to collective efforts and help reduce the global over-production of plastic.
Consider bringing your own clothes drying rack. According to a publication by the Natural Resources Defense Council, “today’s typical electric clothes dryer sometimes consumes as much energy per year as a new energy efficient refrigerator, clothes washer, and dishwasher combined.” Air drying can also be better for your clothes than using drying machines, as it extends their lifespan.
Plan for a New England winter
As soon as the weather changes, you’ll want to bundle up for a New England winter and stay warm and cozy. Bringing a winter coat, gloves, and a scarf, as well as a warm blanket will make a difference in terms of personal comfort and it will reduce energy waste through radiator use.
In summary, packing environmentally friendly items can have a positive impact on your health and the local environment. Reducing the number of items that arrive on campus; choosing energy-efficient appliances; making informed purchases; bringing reusable ware; and planning for New England weather are just a few ways that you can kick off your sustainability journey on campus.