October 24th is a big day for the climate. Across the nation, individuals and organizations will be participating in events to raise awareness about climate change. Keep up with what's going on in the Twin Ports at the 350 Twin Ports website. The day will be festive with a rally, a group bike ride, and even a waltz-in for climate change.
UMD has completed its 2007 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, and will begin working on a Climate Action Plan in order to cut emissions. The footprint calculated for UMD for the year 2007 is 56,465 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, which equates to 7,831 homes' annual electricity use1. Find out more at the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) website.
What can you do to help UMD lower our carbon footprint? Here are five easy tips:
*Power down- at the end of the day, turn off and unplug your lights, computer, chargers, printer, copiers, and other equipment that doesn't need to be on.
*Unplug- Take the next step and unplug the above equipment - a power strip makes this even slicker!
*Rock the sweater- turn down your thermostat a few degrees (if you have access), and put on a cozy sweater.
*Use energy management settings on your computer- set your computer to turn off the monitor after 15 minutes of inactivity, turn off hard disks after 30 minutes, and system standby or hibernate after 45 minutes.
*Use your U-Pass: bus rides are free at UMD! More information here.
Tell UMD's Sustainability Office how you help reduce our carbon footprint- email your story to sustain@d.umn.edu.
1http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-resources/calculator.html
