7 Ways to Put Your Energy Into Earth Day 365
Boston University's Center for Computing & Data Sciences (CCDS) is the largest fossil fuel-free building in Boston. Standing 19 stories tall and at nearly 350,000 square feet, CCDS is the most environmentally sustainable, energy-efficient structure BU has ever built, and one of the “greenest” buildings in all of New England.
In support of BU's ongoing commitment to Earth Day 365 — an initiative elevating the importance of protecting our planet 365 days of the year, here are seven tangible ways to put your energy into sustainability.
Go Green with a Bluebike
Transportation accounts for almost 27% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. While public transportation like the “T” is safer for the environment compared to personal automobiles, there is an option that’s more fun and can further reduce air pollution: cycling.
Bluebikes, Boston’s bike share system, offers over 380 stations and 3,500 bikes. This innovative public transportation system is an affordable, healthy, and environmentally friendly alternative to getting around the city. So, the next time you’re considering how to get from point A to point B, look for your closest Bluebike station and get your ride on!
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
You’ve probably heard it a thousand times, but the three R’s to living sustainably: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Responsible recycling and composting can save over 193 million metric tons of carbon dioxide a year, comparable to removing 42 million cars off the road annually. To pledge your commitment, remember to put plastic bottles, jars, and jugs in recycling bins; food scraps and soiled paper goods in food waste bins; and lastly, plastic bags, plastic utensils, and dirty take-out containers in trash bins. Follow the guide included on our bins at CDS and throughout BU.
Remember: Every Drop Counts
Water scarcity affects over 40% of the world's population and is predicted to worsen due to climate change and population growth. That's why it's crucial that we all do our part to conserve water.
Whether you're brushing your teeth, washing dishes, or taking a shower, small adjustments to your routine can add up to significant savings over time. Using reusable water bottles instead of disposable ones and using refilling stations can also help reduce the amount of water wasted. Let's all do our part and remember: every drop counts.
A Lightbulb Idea
After a long day of classes, the last thing you want to do is run up your electric bill and waste energy. Turn off your lights and equipment at night and on the weekend, and unplug unused appliances to lower your energy consumption. Be mindful of your usage and opt for study spots with natural lighting as an alternative to switching on the lights. Incorporating this important step into your everyday routine can help you save in the long run and reduce your environmental footprint. Lastly, don’t forget to unplug.
BYOB: Bring Your Own (Reusable) Bag
Hundreds of billions of plastic bags are used each year in the U.S.
Using reusable bags can cut down on the amount of litter and microplastics that harm the environment. Think of all the plastic bags you have thrown away in your life compared to one bag that you can use again and again. The next time you find yourself at your local grocer, remember one thing: BYOB.
Save the Turtles, Skip the Straw
Plastic straws are commonly found in ocean debris, posing a serious threat to marine life. Plastic waste is often mistaken for food by sea turtles, fish, and other animals, causing them to suffer. Moreover, plastic can take hundreds of years to decompose, polluting our planet and harming human health.
By skipping plastic straws and choosing eco-friendly alternatives like metal and paper straws or opting for strawless lids, we can reduce plastic waste, conserve natural resources, and protect marine ecosystems. Every action counts, and by saying no to plastic straws, we can make a big difference for our planet.
Shop smarter, Not Harder
Dressing up can serve as a creative outlet - one that can easily be sustainable. From sporting everyday looks designed at BU’s Shop Swapp to acing that interview donning your new professional wardrobe through BU’s Professional Clothing Closet, and shopping pre-loved items at your local thrift store, you can confidently show off your outfit while cutting down on your ecological footprint. Who knew dressing up could be fun and eco-friendly?
Learn more and get involved with sustainability at BU by following @sustainablebu on Instagram and Twitter!