Lighting:

• Turn off your lights when they are not needed. Dim lights when you are using your computer. Besides lessening your environmental impact, it's also better for your eyes.
• Use task lighting to illuminate a particular book, coursepack, or paper while studying.
• Keep your curtains and shades open! Sunlight is our most efficient source of energy.
• Do not use halogen lamps. They are extremely inefficient and can be a fire hazard.
• Use fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs wherever possible. (Fluorescent bulbs contain trace amounts of mercury, so the University recycles them through our hazardous waste group - call (734) 763-5641 for more information).

Computers:

• Turn off your computer and printer if you won't be using them for 16 minutes for more. Modern computers are not adversely affected by frequent shutdowns, and computer usage is a major (and growing) source of energy consumption.
• Avoid using screen savers, which waste a lot of energy. Instead, turn off your monitor when you won't be using it for a few minutes, or use power management options like the "sleep mode" (typically found under "power options" or on your control panel).
• Choose a laptop over a desktop as smaller computers consume less energy.

Choose Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star rated products when buying new appliances, computers and peripherals.

Find out more at UM's Energy Conservation & Outreach