Author: Aryn T

Aryn Aiken is a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences studying Environmental Studies with minors in Math and French. When she’s not in class or working at the Office of Sustainability, you’ll find her digging through trash with Return Recycling or tie dying with EarthMatters.

Natural Cleaners

Green Dorm Essentials

by Delaney Baxter Martin

Moving into a new college residence hall  means needing to buy all the things necessary to have a comfortable living space. But that also means a lot of confusion about what to get and where to get it. Unfortunately, tons of waste is created every year from moving. Buying second-hand, borrowing from friends or older siblings, or even just being mindful about what you really need in your new residence hall room can all be great ways to save some money and save some waste when moving in. We’ve also made this quick guide for what to get at Bed, Bath & Beyond so you know the best things to get for a greener room! Read more

It’s Plastic Free July!

by Delaney Baxter Martin and Aryn Aiken

It’s hard to believe how quickly the summer is flying by. July is starting in a few days, which means Plastic Free July is starting, too.

What is Plastic Free July?

Plastic Free July was started as a local initiative in Perth, Australia, but has now grown into an international nonprofit organization. Every July, they run a challenge to encourage participants to refuse unnecessary plastic, to reflect on their impact on the environment, and to connect with other participants in their community and around the globe. Challengers will ditch common single-use items like bags, bottles, straws, and coffee cups, avoid plastic packaging, or go completely plastic free.

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New York City skyline

Taking Action on World Oceans Day

This Friday, June 8th, is World Oceans Day. The world’s oceans form Earth’s largest and most diverse habitat and play a crucial role in weather patterns and nutrient cycling. Their health is also impacted by global climate change. World Oceans Day challenges us to take action to conserve the world’s oceans. There’s no better day to remind ourselves that New York City is an archipelago, many islands grouped together, but surrounded by water. The ocean is right at our doorstep and we can help protect it.

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Don’t Dispose, DONATE.

IT’S MOVE OUT TIME!

If you live in a residence hall, this is the time to pack up and start your summer (after exams are over, of course). Most of the time, students have far too much stuff to pack and take home especially when so many of us have to fly home. Even if you don’t want to get rid of your stuff, in the midst of your end of the year stress, you might just throw things out because it’s easier than arranging for storage. Fortunately, donating your unwanted items can be just as easy as throwing them in the trash. Here are some things to think about so you can minimize how much you throw away in your move out. Read more

Shutting Down for Winter Break

Exams are over and you can finally leave Bobst! But, you only left yourself 10 hours to pack and clean your dorm before your flight home… Here’s a checklist of things to remember when powering down your dorm, apartment, or office for the break.

1. Let’s start with the basics. Turn out the lights. Every one of them. Even your salt lamps, fairy lights, lava lamps, Scooby Doo night-lights….All of them.

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2. Unplug all your appliances, especially ones with a light or clock that stays on. Vampire appliances can waste a lot of energy when left plugged in. BONUS TIP: If you’re in an office space make sure to power down all your computers as well. Read more