Green Living At OU

One might assume that living in the residence halls at Oakland University would make it challenging to be environmentally friendly. The exact opposite is true, in fact. The residence halls offer many possibilities for the students to help the environment at different levels of actions.

On every floor, there is a recycling bin for residents to dispose of recyclable materials. There is also a separate bin for plastic bottles. In addition, every water fountain there is a specific nozzle to fill up water bottles, which promotes reusable bottles instead of the disposable plastic ones.

To take being green and being a resident even further, beginning in 2010 a floor in West Vandenberg focused on tasks that would improve the environment. The students who live on this floor must attend meetings that dispense information about helping the environment and other ways that they can go green.

These students also work on volunteer projects such as Make a Difference Day and they are required to attend programs and can go on field trips. During move in week, they separate recyclable items from the garbage, which would have a huge impact on the environment because a lot is thrown away on move in day.

In the summer of 2010, the floor was converted into an eco-friendly project.  According to the Eco-Interest’s website, “The floor now has 100% recycled and sustainable carpets, non-toxic paint, dual flushing toilets, water-saving faucets and showerheads, and sustainable furniture.” Clearly, Oakland University is making an effort to make the world that we live in a better place while making life for its residences interesting.

The Eco-Interest’s website has some suggestions about how to help the environment without spending extra money, which is great for any college student:

1) Don't leave water running. Turn off the water while you brush your teeth and do not use more water than necessary for other activities (doing the dishes, taking showers, washing your hands, etc.)

2) Turn off the lights when you leave the room, and when you do turn them on make sure you have fluorescent bulbs.

3) Instead of waiting for the water to run cold from the tap, have a jug of water in the fridge for when you need a cold drink.

4) Buy rechargeable batteries, and recycle those batteries you have that are not.

5) Put on more clothes before turning up the thermostat.

6) Try to avoid using Styrofoam.

7) Use cloth napkins and towels instead of paper.

8) Make a habit of recycling EVERYTHING that can be recycled. Paper, aluminum, glass, plastic, etc.

9) Donate old things such as clothing, books, and toys that you do not use anymore to others that will use them.

10) Buy items that are already made of recycled materials, and when you're finished recycle them again.

Click here for more information