Lifestyle Guide

Guidelines on Thinking as a Conscientious Consumer

This list is not complete, but it should help you develop habits which will lead to increased sensitivity and participation in the efforts to reduce our University's solid waste and conserve natural resources.

In the Kitchen

• Always reuse paper and plastic bags.
• Buy products in large economy-size containers.
• Determine which materials are being recycled in your area and how they should be packaged; then set up a collection area in your home -- in the garage, under the sink, etc.
• Save all plastic tubs and containers -- rinse them out and use them to store leftovers or frozen foods; by being creative, plastic containers can be transformed into trinket- holders, desktop organizers, and even flowerpots.
• Aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and plastic baggies can be wiped with a damp cloth and reused.
• Use cloth towels and napkins instead of paper ones.
• To conserve water, only use a dishwasher when it is full, or wash dishes by hand in a sink full of water rather than letting the water run.
• Use silverware as much as possible -- if you must use plastic ware, rinse and reuse it.
• Don't use styrofoam plates -- choose paper if you must use disposable dishes.

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In the Bathroom

• Look for facial tissue and toilet paper that is unprinted and unscented; it is more easily biodegradable.
• Buy recycled tissue products with a high percentage of post-consumer waste.
• Choose reusable razors over disposable ones.
• Use bar soap rather than liquid soap; the bar has less packaging.
• Keep personal cups near the sink rather than disposable paper cups.
• Turn off running water when not in use -- letting the water run for one minute while you brush your teeth wastes 3-5 gallons of water!
• Put an empty milk jug in the tank of your toilet -- this cuts down on the amount of water used for each flush.

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In the Recreation Room

• To save electricity, turn off stereo, TV, and VCR when not in use.
• Purchase throw pillows and beanbags stuffed with sand or natural fibers rather than plastic beads.

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In the Yard and Garage

• Dispose of automobile oil at local service stations.
• Purchase pesticides and fertilizers carefully - ask a reputable retailer which products have the least adverse effects on the environment and water supply.
• Water lawns and gardens in the early morning or late evening hours to minimize evaporation and waste of water.
• Collect all yard waste in approved paper bags for collection. Remember, in Illinois it is illegal to put yard waste in a landfill!

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In the Workplace

• Make an effort to reuse paper: write notes or messages on scratch paper, reuse the backs of computer paper for draft printing, duplex all copies, and post memos on bulletin boards rather than making multiple copies.
• Send electronic (e-mail) messages when possible to conserve paper.
• Encourage the use of refillable pens and pencils.
• Take your own non-disposable drinking cup and encourage others to do so.
• Turn off lights that aren't needed, especially in the bathrooms.

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At School

• Buy loose-leaf paper and notebooks made from recycled paper (a symbol and/or a message can be found on the back cover).
• Take old flyers or other paper that's only been used on one side, punch holes in it, and use the blank sides as notebook paper.
• Purchase refillable pens and pencils; look for wood rulers and other instruments rather than plastic.
• Turn off lights when leaving a room.
• Purchase foods and drinks with recyclable containers -- avoid styrofoam and plastic.

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At the Cafeteria

• Don't take an excess of napkins -- they just end up in the garbage. Even better, bring your own cloth napkin to meals!
• Try to avoid taking more food that you'll eat -- you can always go back for more.
• Get an ice cream cone instead of a novelty treat -- you're not using any packaging that way.

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At a Party

• B.Y.O.C. -- Bring Your Own Cup -- this cuts the use of plastic or styrofoam cups. If you forget, try and use one cup for the entire length of the party.
• If you must use disposables, serve food on paper plates and reuse plastic utensils.
• Choose decorations and party favors made from paper rather than plastic.
• Buy a plastic, long-lasting cooler instead of a styrofoam one.

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