Often, we might think that small gestures are not what make a difference… drinking a soda with a straw, or leaving the coffee maker turned on, are actions that surely are not going to have a great impact on the environment! These silly gestures are not what make me careless on sustainability and planet.
But here is where we are wrong, we can actually make difference starting from small actions.
We, from In-Domus, wrote down a list of small gestures from where to begin. At first it could seem hard, but once you have introduced these actions in your routine, you will understand that it does not take much to increase your level of sustainability.
Just start embracing one of these rules and then, step by step, add new ones!
- Use the stairs instead of the elevator. You will save energy and your health will benefit, too. Find out here how to get fit with two flights of stairs.
- Watch out for separate collection of waste. Waste management is a major worldwide problem, and if you just think about it, to separate plastic, paper and glass is not that hard. Engage all the In-Domus residence guests, all together you will reduce the ecological footprint of the Campus.
- Always close the tap when brushing your teeth, or shaving. A small gesture like this will allow you to save up to 6 litres of water per minute.
- Also limiting the amount of time spent in the shower allows you to save a huge quantity of water. Everybody loves wasting time under running hot water, but few know that 6 to 10 litres per minute are consumed. Cutting shower time down will allow you to save water, and maybe, also to be on time for class.
- Replace detergents with environment-friendly versions. Probably they would be expensive, but you will reduce the ecological and electrical appliances footprint, and your direct contact with detergent residues. White vinegar can be a great ally for the cleaning: it can be used as anti-scale for taps, as fabric softener in washing machines, rinse aid for dishwashers, and it is ideal for cleaning glass surfaces.
- Try to reduce the usage of plastic: use ecological bags, reusable and biodegradable; make use of solid shampoo and body wash; use a reusable water bottle for water, abolishing disposable bottles; buy bulk fruits and vegetables; when you are out for happy hour ask not to receive a straw…
- Run washing machine and dishwasher only when they are fully loaded. In such a way you will save electricity and reduce water consumption.
- Do no leave household appliances on stand-by mode when you are not using them. Even if they seem to be turned off, while in stand-by modality they keep consuming energy. Turning them off will make you save electricity and will extend the life of your objects.
- For the same reason, switch off the light when it is not necessary. Exploit the daylight during the day, and during night turn on only the necessary lights.
Just choose where to begin and engage all the guests from your In-Domus residence or your university friends. All together you can make the difference!
Also follow the initiatives of some Milan universities committed in this area. Find out the projects of the università Bicocca, Politecnico di Milano and Statale, concerning sustainability.
