I was thinking for a few days what I wanted to do my photo essay on and realized how much UMD has done within the last 4 years that I have been a student here to become more sustainable. I've heard that the business school as well as the new engineering building have been built with sustainability in mind but I wanted to focus on the little changes in the rest of the school that are making a big difference!
On the second floor of Bohannon the women's restroom has some simple reminders to students about conserving water and energy. There was a map on Lake Superior with the caption "Every drop counts." This was placed right about the sink as a reminder to not waste water while washing hands. It is helpful to get your hands wet and then turn the sink off as you lather, and then turn the water back on to rinse off.
There was also a sticker over the light switch suggesting that people turn the light off when they leave the bathroom. When I came in the light was off which I of course noticed right away. I think this is great! It is a smaller bathroom with only three stalls so it is not used very often. Such an easy and effective way to save energy.
There was also a sticker over the light switch suggesting that people turn the light off when they leave the bathroom. When I came in the light was off which I of course noticed right away. I think this is great! It is a smaller bathroom with only three stalls so it is not used very often. Such an easy and effective way to save energy.
All around campus there are new trash and recycling containers. Some of them are for cans, paper, bottles, and my favorite is the trash can outside. The trash can uses solar energy to reduce garbage pickups by 80%. It wasn't until I noticed that tidbit that I started thinking about the tons of garbage that UMD must produce! I think it would be great to start a composting site in Bagley Nature Center.
When I was home I was surprised to find that the local small town bar was also becoming more sustainable! They have installed toilets that use less water while flushing and included instructions on the stall door on how to properly use them!