Saving trees.
We have recently eliminated paper applications during the RCC hiring process and replaced them with online applications. This reduces the amount of paper that used by applicants and streamlines the hiring process.
Managing our machines.
While all computers in the Academic Service Centers of the Units are currently kept on 24/7, ResComp is gearing up to fix that. In the near future, we will implement mechanisms to keep computers off when the ASCs are closed.
Making our servers green.
The servers ResComp purchases now all have energy-efficient power supplies and low-power CPU's. This reduces both the electricity used directly by the servers and the energy used indirectly in the power protection and air conditioning systems that support the servers.
Virtualizing our servers.
We are aggressiving reducing our need for separate physical servers by moving to virtual machines. With less actual machines that we need to keep turned on, we save a significant amount of energy while preserving the quality of computing resources that we offer.
Slay your energy vampires.
Cellphone chargers, TVs, and other plugged-in devices suck up power even when they are turned off or not in use. Keeping them unplugged when not in use can eliminate these phantom power wasters and reduce up to 10% of your total energy use. For your convenience, hook all of your electronics up to power strips so you can easily switch them off when you aren't in your room.
Upgrade your lightbulbs.
If you're still using old-fashioned incandescent lightbulbs, it's time to trade them in for a new and improved compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL). CFLs use 75% less energy and can last up to 15000 hours – that's 15x longer than an incandescent bulb! Switching out the old for the new is easy and completely free.
Take your incandescent bulbs to your unit's front desk to swap them for CFLs.
Make your junk another's treasure.
Empty ink cartridges and old cellphones can be remanufactured to be used by someone else. Don't let them end up in landfills where they take over 10 centuries to decompose.
Put your empty ink cartridges, batteries, and old cellphones in the canisters at the security monitor booth, or at the front desk of your unit to recycle them appropriately.
Recycle your eWaste.
Only 15-20% of discarded electronics are recycled. The toxic chemicals like lead and silicon that are found in equipment can seep into the soil when they are piled onto landfills, posing health and environmental hazards for the public. Let RSSP take care of your larger electronics so they will be properly recycled.
To properly dispose of your unwanted monitors, televisions, computer peripherals, etc., drop them off at the front desk of your unit.
For more information on recycling and how you can make a difference in the residence halls, visit Green RSSP!
