“Going Green” is as easy as 1-2-3

FIU has created green initiatives such as promoting carpooling, maintaining upkeep in the nature preserve, constructing energy-efficient buildings, hosting recycling drives and assigning a recycling bin to every trash can.

But, introducing these initiatives to the University won’t mean anything unless students and faculty play their part. Living “environmentally conscious” doesn’t have to be difficult — in fact, it’s easy.

Instead of throwing out your plastic water bottle, clean it and reuse it. Not only does this lessen your carbon footprint, but it also saves you money.

Another “going green” tactic that is good for your wallet is carpooling. Take advantage of ridesharing apps or carpool with your friends, especially during long drives.

For those students or faculty members that drive to the Biscayne Bay campus or the engineering campus, use the bus FIU offers. Not only does it save gas and gives you an opportunity to chat, work or sleep, but it also reduces the amount of carbon monoxide that is released into the air.

The easiest way to “Go Green,” however, is to go digital. Paper is barbaric. Instead, students should start typing their notes. It saves trees, saves you money and makes it easier for you to study with your classmates.

The same goes for professors. Whether you like it or not, technology is the future and you should let students utilize their tablets and laptops to take notes. Not only does it save the trees, but it’s more efficient to have students upload assignments to Blackboard or email them directly to you. This way, the students have the option to work from wherever they are, and you don’t have to carry around so many papers.

The point is, it doesn’t take a lot of effort to be environmentally friendly. You just have to be aware of what changes you yourself can start today, so take advantage of the different green initiatives that are offered and play a part in saving our planet. Remember, it’s the only one we have.

Photo taken from Flickr.