Whether you’re leaving your residence hall for winter break or your office for the holidays, remember to conserve energy by shutting down! Here’s a checklist to share with your roommates and colleagues.

 

1. Turn out the lights and power down! It’s the easiest action. Take a look around your room or office and make sure every desk lamp, salt lamp, fairy light, or nightlight is off. In offices, power down your computers, printers, and copy machines.

2. Unplug all your appliances, especially ones with a light or clock that stays on. Vampire power, refers to the energy wasted by electronics and appliances plugged into outlets (even when they’re turned off).

3. Turn off the heat. If you can control it, make sure your heating unit is turned off or on power save mode.

4. Close all the windows. If you live in a building with a radiator and your room tends to get overheated, make sure you close any windows before heading out.

4. Take perishables out of your fridge. Move anything that will keep frozen to the freezer and compost leftovers.

5. Make sure none of your faucets are dripping. Double-check that you’re not wasting water before you head out. If a faucet is leaking, submit a work order so the problem is resolved.

6. Are you a student studying away or graduating next semester? Don’t throw away your appliances and kitchen supplies! Sell or donate to your roommates, friends, on Free and For Sale, or through apps like TradeMade.

 

Have a great holiday! If you’re looking for ways to reduce your impact further, check out Carbon Offsetting your Winter Break.