Lights
o Always turn off your lights whenever you leave your room.
o Utilize natural light whenever possible. Open your blinds.
o Use only Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs in all your lights. They use 75% less energy than incandescent (normal bulbs) and last 10 times longer.
o Turn off lights in bathrooms, lounges, and other common areas. Tell others to do the same.

Computers
o Turn your computer off when you aren't using it.
o Set your computer and monitor to go into sleep / stand by when they're inactive for too long. A computer in sleep mode uses about 5% the energy of one running a "screen saver". Click here for Computer Power Management directions.
o Look for the Energy Star label when purchasing a new computer or any other electronic device. Consider buying a flat screen monitor or a laptop model. See www.Energystar.gov for more information.

Appliances
o Turn off TVs, radios and stereos when you aren't using them. o Coordinate with your roommates to avoid bringing unneeded appliances. If you do bring a refrigerator, set the temperature between 36 and 42 degrees. Empty out your refrigerator and unplug it when you go on break.
o When purchasing a new appliance, look for the Energy Star label. See www.Energystar.gov for more information.
o If lounge TVs are left on, please turn them off!
o Only wash and dry full loads of laundry.

Phantom Loads
o Many appliances consume electricity even when turned off. The easiest way to avoid these "phantom loads" is to have all electrical cords plugged into a power strip and turn the strip off when not using any of them.
o Phone chargers, laptop cords, printers, etc. all draw power when unused. Please unplug them or use a power strip as mentioned above.

Water
o Take five minute showers.
o Turn the water off when you are brushing your teeth or shaving.
o Wash only full loads of laundry.
o In residence halls with dual flush toilets, use the appropriate flush.