Reducing My Impact at UVM
Since coming to UVM, I've made a number of changes to my lifestyle and taken on several projects to reduce my overall impact, in part as a personal challenge, in part because I believe that conservation will have to become the norm as world oil reserves decline, and in part as a model to others. Below are the major changes I've made and the projects I've taken on.
 D350 Solar Project (click image for link to site) |
Probably the most publicized and expensive of my attempts to reduce my impact, I installed a solar panel in my suite and use it to provide energy to my laptop and small electronics. The panel was designed as a public display of small scale renewable energy generation, and to show the accessibility of renewable technology. The total cost of the system parts (excluding the platform) was $305 with shipping. I put together a web site detailing the project (that previously occupied this address), it is accessible by clicking here. |
 Wind Energy Certificates |
The precursor to the idea to install the solar panel, I purchased 200 kWh/month of wind energy certificates to offset the environmental impact of the electricity usage of my suite. Information on wind energy certificates, also known as TRECs, is available from the company my I made my purchase through, Community Energy. |
 Light bulb Replacement |
The use of Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFLs) can usually reduce the energy usage of lighting fixtures by 65% or more. A standard incandescent wastes 90% of its energy as heat, whereas CFLs are highly efficient. A 15W CFL is equivalent to a 60W incandescent, and a 20W CFL is equivalent to a 100W incandescent. Most CFLs last for 10,000 hours (a few last for 6,000, but very few), compared to 1,000 hours for an incandescent, so you'll very rarely ever have to change a light bulb. Switching to CFLs is one of the easiest ways to reduce power usage. In addition to using CFLs in my room, I've replaced bulbs around campus with CFLs out of my personal collection. The old incandescents are displayed on a wall in my room, with their original location and power savings listed. |
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One of the components of recycling is buying recycled, a fact many consumers overlook. Recycled products take less energy to make, and reduce pollution, power and water consumption, as well as prevent the depletion of natural resources and provide a market for recycled products. If there is no market for the products we recycle they run the risk of being landfilled. Increased market demand also makes recycling more economically feasible for municipalities and will lead to more expansive recycling programs. While recycled products cost slightly more, their higher cost can also be used as a personal incentive to reduce consumption, creating an even greater environmental benefit. |
 Air-Drying Laundry |
I've begun experimenting with air drying my clothes in my room. Outside of saving me $1.25 a week, I'm reducing my electric consumption by thousands of watt-hours every load. |
 UVM Eco-Reps |
I work with the UVM Eco-Reps, an organization under the Department of Recycling which hires students to promote recycling and conservation in their residence halls and around campus. Visit the Eco-Rep site to see some of our past activities. |
Standard UVM Offerings |
I, of course, participate all standard UVM offerings as far as recycling and reduction of impact. UVM offers paper, cardboard and container recycling, as well as composting for all food waste and recycling for specialty items like batteries and electronics. |
Questions, comments, other ideas on how I can further reduce my impact? E-mail me at ross.nizlek@uvm.edu
Last modified October 16 2005 01:48 AM
