It's that time of year again: first tests, late night ventures to the library and many "Venti-sized" cups of coffee.
But just because you're hitting the books, that doesn't mean you have to forget about staying green. These sustainable tips will even help you save some green!
Where you decide to study can be your first environmentally-friendly choice.
While studying at your apartment, dorm or house can be more convenient, studying in a public area, such as the library, is more sustainable.
If everyone is going to the same place, it means everyone is sharing electricity in one area, instead of running up the bills at each separate location.
If you are going to study at home, try to get it done during the natural-light hours, or use compact fluorescent light bulbs at night.
Try to walk, bike or take public transportation, like the RTS bus system, when venturing to your favorite study location.
Next, here are some tips to remember before you start studying:
If you need to print out notes, print them on recycled printer paper. Also, print on both sides of the paper, which will use less and save you some money. Many printers even have eco-settings that use less ink.
Use a reusable binder for notes instead of a notebook. You'll use less paper and have to buy fewer notebooks.
If you don't need to print out your notes, you can use programs like Dropbox to make sure you can access them from any computer.
Share textbooks with friends and split the costs, using less paper products and saving money.
Plan to bring a reusable water bottle or coffee cup to your study session. Starbucks gives a discount for bringing your own coffee container.
Keep the brightness level on your laptop at half power to save battery power.
When your laptop is done charging, unplug it to save electricity.
Remember that many of these tips are not only environmentally friendly, but are also wallet friendly!
Good luck studying, Green Gators!
