ERC

Samples of wiki syntax

Current Projects

• Workspace for the website
• Campus-wide recycling
• Publishing monthly/cumulative energy consumption data

Committee Specific Resources

• Meeting minutes via Community Documents
• erc-l mailing list archive

General Resources

• Links to other schools programs that we like.
• On-line reference materials, etc.

File:Enviromental and social audit.pdf

File:Recycling2006.pdf

Earlham College Sustainability Guide

RECYCLING/WASTE REDUCTION

Why recycle?

On-Campus Recycling

• Glass
• Office paper
• Newspaper
• Aluminum
• Cardboard (corrugated)
• Plastic
• Composting

Richmond Recycling

Recycling in an on-campus house

• The big blue bins on the back porches of houses are collected biweekly by the Richmond Sanitation Department. They take:
  • newspaper
  • plastics #1&2
  • and aluminum cans
  • newspaper (if bundled separately)

If you have other recyclables please take them to the proper receptacle around campus.

Composting Other recycling tips • Tupperware. Shocked at the price of plastic containers these days? Saving your plastic yogurt cartons, glass sauce bottles, butter containers and other plastic food containers can reduce waste and save you money on Tupperware. Glass bottles also make good cups and mugs when you’re short on them. • Plastic bags are in abundance on campus. Saving them for garbage liners, laundry hampers… is a good way to prevent their pollution. You can also take them back to the store and use them again next time you’re shopping. • The HELP! Shelter will gladly take your aluminum beverage cans which they can sell to provide funds for their work. They are located at 2101 West Main Street and have a drop-off container outside.

TRANSPORTAION

Why alternative transportation In addition to housing energy use, cars are a huge contributor to green house gases and global warming. While Richmond life may seem to only encourage private car transportation there are many alternative transportation options available to students.

Busing • Richmond bus: Roseview transit. Richmond’s bus system is sadly small and often inefficient for students (there are no evening buses). However they provide buses that go across town in both directions, including past Earlham and out to the mall. Check out their website for routes and schedules at http://www.ci.richmond.in.us/transit/index.php. • Runyan shuttle

Biking • Earlham’s very own Bike Co-op is located in the basement of Barrett. It provides services such as… and it’s hours are… For more information contact… • Bike stores in Richmond: Owning a car • Do you have a diesel vehicle? Try using biodiesel instead of pure diesel. It can be blended in any proportions with regular diesel, requires no engine modifications, and is made from renewable resources. Biodiesel is available in Richmond at… • Thinking of buying a new car? Consider one of the new fuel and energy efficient hybrids, like the Toyota Prius. • Keep your car tuned up, the oil changed regularly, and the tires properly inflated. All these things make it more energy and cost efficient. • E85 is a blend of ethanol/natural gas and can be used in a number of cars (website) without any engine conversion. E85 is for sale in Richmond at . It’s the real American fuel. • Carpool. Going out of your way to run errands with friends and to never drive alone is one of the best ways to prevent greenhouse emissions but also split gas money. Travel • Mega-Bus and Greyhound • Trains • Airplanes • Local vacations • Airport shuttles Walking • Safety

WATER

Why reduce water use

Like energy, water is a precious natural resource that needs to be conserved. While 75% of the Earth is covered in water only about 1% of that water is drinkable. Without conservation this resource will eventually run out. Many parts of this country are affected by droughts every year and Indiana is certainly not unaffected by water shortage.

Use/waste reduction • Don't leave the water running while you brush your teeth or washing your hands. Turning the water on to just wet and rinse your brush as opposed to letting the water run while you brush your teeth saves up to 9 gallons of water each time you brush your teeth! • If you shave, fill the sink basin instead of letting the tap run. This can save up to 14 gallons of water every time you shave. • If you wash dishes by hand, fill the basin instead of letting the tap run. You'll save up to 25 gallons for every time you wash dishes. • Car need washed? Self-service car washes often recycle their water and so you typically use only 5-10 gallons at such an establishment. If you prefer to do it yourself at home, use a sponge and bucket--it uses only 15 gallons. Either way you save over 100 gallons for each wash. Also, for washing your car at home, try to wash it on the grass or some other permeable surface so the run-off water soaks into the earth instead of flushing off the pavement and down into the storm drains. • Got house plants? Capture shower water left running until it heats up and use it to water your plants! • Showers use much less water than baths and trying to keep your showers less than 15 minutes does a lot to save water. • Run full loads of dishes in the dishwasher or laundry in the washing machine. This saves water and energy. • If it’s yellow… you know the phrase, while this may not sound appealing, each flush uses 5-8 gallons of water so just flushing every other time you use the toilet saves lots of water.

FOR FACULTY AND STAFF OTHER PRATICES • Cut six-pack circles before throwing into the garbage. Wildlife like seabirds, seals, and sea lions can drown, strangle, starve, or suffocate as a recult of getting caught up in unsnipped six-pack rings. • Use a low-phosphate or phosphate-free detergent, as phosphates impact stream health through algae bloom and subsequent death and decay. • Use unbleached coffee filters and paper towels. • Consider a vacation as an environmental or conservation volunteer. Or consider ecotourism options when planning your next trip.