NYU Green Apple Week: Green Facts & Tips

In recognition of NYU’s annual Green Apple Week, here is a list of green facts and green tips to think about and use to make more eco-conscious decisions in our daily lives!

GREEN FACTS

• Every ton of recycled paper saves almost 400 gallons of oil, 3 cubic yards of landfill and 17 trees.
• Americans consumes 6 times more energy than the world average.
• The energy saved from 1 recycled aluminum can will operate a television set for 3 hours.
• Making aluminum from recycled aluminum uses 90 to 95 percent less energy than making aluminum from bauxite ore.
• The energy saved from recycling 1 glass bottle will light a 100-watt light bulb for 4 hours.
• Each day 50 to 100 species of animals and plants are driven extinct by human influences.
• Each year, the US sends 500 million tons of solid hazardous waste to landfills and adds 3 million tons of toxic chemicals into the air and water.
• The average American produces 1,609 pounds of waste each year. Recycling, composting and reuse can cut that waste stream by up to 75%.
• Americans consume an average of 2,200 standard two-ply napkins per year — or the equivalent of more than six napkins per day.

GREEN TIPS

• Use laptops instead of desktops. They use more than 50% less energy and require less resources and energy to produce.
• Set your computer to sleep or hibernate mode when it’s not in use. Screen savers don’t save any energy at all.
• Switch your bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). They last 8–12 times longer and use 25% less energy than incandescent bulbs while delivering the same light levels.
• When you shop for a new appliance, look for the Energy Star label.
• You can maximize the heating and cooling efficiency by keeping blinds and curtains open during the day and closing them at nights to insulate the windows.
• Arrange desk and chairs next to windows to cut down on the need for artificial lighting during the day.
• You can get cash back by recycling your old electronics such as cell phones and mp3 players.
• Use rechargeable batteries. Otherwise dispose of batteries properly because they contain toxic chemicals. Find the nearest drop-off location by calling 1-800-8-BATTERY.
• To save on paper, always print and copy double-sided (“duplex”). Most public NYU printers can be configured to duplex.
• Get your leaky sink and shower faucets fixed. A leak of just 1 drop per second will waste 2,400 gallons of water a year.
• Try switching to cold or warm water when doing laundry. 85–90% of the energy consumed in washing your clothes is used to heat the water.
• Turn off the power strip or unplug any electrical device that’s not being used. Many appliances, such as computers, TVs and VCRs draw power even when turned off. NYU may expend as much as $750,000 per year on these “phantom loads”!
• Shave your showering time down by three minutes for a savings of 513 pounds of CO2 every year.
• Plastic shopping bags create unnecessary waste. Next time you grocery shop, bring your own reusable bag.

All of these green facts and tips are compliments of the NYU Office of Sustainability!

-RLA Brian