Solar panels on Shad Hall, Harvard Business School. Most of Harvard's energy is not yet clean energy, so conservation is very important!

Computing

Lighting

• Just turn off lights when not in use. This includes bathrooms and common rooms.
• You can turn off lights in many common areas in your House when no one is there. It is not true that leaving fluorescent lights on saves energy!
• Use Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs. CFLs screw into almost any standard lamp, give off pleasant light, last ten times longer and use a fraction of the energy. You can buy them at Dickson Brothers Co. in Harvard Square, Tags Ace Hardware in Porter Square, Economy Hardware and Pill Hardware in Central Square, or online. (Note: CFLs contain small amounts of mercury, so when they do burn out, take them to your building manager for proper disposal.)

Other Appliances

• Turn off your stereo,  TV, and other appliances when they are not in use.
• Buy Energy Star to make sure your appliances aren't wasting energy when in sleep mode.
• Don't leave cellphones, laptop or battery chargers plugged in when not in use.  The transformers on these devices continue to consume energy even when nothing is being charged.  You can feel the wasted energy in the heat they give off.

Laundry

• 80-90 percent of the energy that goes into washing a load of laundry in hot water is used to heat the water. Try washing in warm or cold water! More washing tips.
• Air dry your laundry to save time and money! More drying tips.

TOO HOT?

• Reduce level of radiator according to local instructions, where possible.
• Close curtains or blinds during the day so solar heat doesn't make your room even hotter.
• Obstruct radiator (e.g., with furniture) so convection does not occur.
• If this doesn't help, please talk to your Building Manager so you don't have to open your window to control the heat. There may be a systematic or local problem which can be identified through your reports directly to the Building Manager .
• In the meantime, if you are opening your windows during the day, be sure to close them at night.

TOO COLD?

• Increase level of radiator according to local instructions, where possible.
• Make sure there is 12-18 inches of spaces clear underneath, next to, and on top of the radiator so convection can occur!
• Close fireplace damper; it may be open if your feet are cold.
• Make sure storm window is closed.
  Make sure window is aligned/seated well and not letting in cold air.
• Make sure windows are shut and curtains are closed (especially at
  night) to help insulate the room and keep the heat in
• Dust off radiator .
• Dress appropriately - it is still winter, after all. :)
• If you have questions about these steps or they don't resolve the problem, please talk to your Building Manager

TOO HOT OR TOO COLD IN STAIRWELL / HALLWAY / COMMON AREA?

• Stop by your Building Manger's Office and report it!

TOO DRY?

• Put metal or other non-meltable container of water on the radiator for a simple but effective humidifier.
• Air dry your laundry to get the same effect.
• Get a few plants to clean and humidify the air.

NEED MORE FRESH AIR?

• Try opening doors to create circulation among rooms (being aware of safety, of course).
• Remember to close windows at night!

• Contact your building manager (or Yard Ops).
• If no one is in the building manager's office, contact the Control Center at 5-5560.  The Control Center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Paper

• Tips to reduce your paper use when printing from CERP and the University of Delaware.
• Cut down on junk mail.

Cans & bottles

• Use reusable containers for your drinks. Or, reuse bottles. Reusing is more efficient than recycling because you don't have to melt down and reprocess anything.
• Drink tap water! Cambridge water is some of the highest quality in the nation and must meet far more rigorous EPA regulations than bottled water, which is regulated by the FDA.
• When you're having parties, don't forget about the recycling commitment. Some Houses have party forms online where you can refer to the low-waste party tips: Adams, Pfoho, Quincy.

Other Stuff

• Donate or exchange items such as clothes. Look for a HAND bin in your laundry room, try Planet Aid on JFK, trade with friends, or try on-line listings such as the UC's Online Marketplace, Leverett Marketplace, Craigslist, and Freecycle Cambridge.You can also arrange for pick-up of large items for surplus by calling 5-3042.
• At the end of the year, look for Habitat's Stuff Recycling Bins
• Choose products that have minimal packaging.
• Buy used or recycled. Be a conscious consumer.
• Consume less. Ask yourself, "Do I really need to purchase/store/clean/move that?"

In the Bathroom

• Take shorter showers.
• Turn off tap while brushing teeth or shaving.
• Report leaks to your building manager or Yard Ops.
• Don't use the toilet as a garbage can.

In the Laundry Room

• Use reusable containers for your drinks. Or, reuse bottles. Reusing is more efficient than recycling because you don't have to melt down and reprocess anything.
• Drink tap water! Cambridge water is some of the highest quality in the nation and must meet far more rigorous EPA regulations than bottled water, which is regulated by the FDA.
• When you're having parties, don't forget about the recycling commitment. Some Houses have party forms online where you can refer to the low-waste party tips: Adams, Pfoho, Quincy.

Everywhere

• Recycle!
• Conserve energy!
• Eat low on the food chain!