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Green Sprouts for the 8th of January, 2009

Make the Yearly Rounds
1) Vacuum out the dryer - Go beyond just gathering the lint from the trap. The trap will get caked with soap residue, run it under hot water.
2) Vacuum the fridge – the cooling fins dissipate heat. They are compromised by dust and pet hair by as much as 8%.
3) Change the water filters – Many filter systems have pre and post filters. The Pre-filter is the most important particularly in reverse osmosis systems. Change them every 6 months. January and June make for an easy to remember schedule.
4) Check the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors – Not really a green tip but we do want everyone to live to be green. As homes become tighter the need for reliable CO detectors increases.

In Local News

William Paterson University Facts:

• American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment – signed June 6, 2007
• Goal: WPUNJ to become carbon neutral by 2050
• Pursuing a POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT(PPA), a 3-4 MW PV Lease
• Feasibility study underway for a geothermal system, funded by NJ Clean Energy Commission. Looks promising for Hunziker Hall & Wing.
• 4 electric vehicles 0 emission 50 miles, tie into solar when installed
• Pioneer Express $500 credit gets students a stainless steel drink container
• Campus targets recycling for improvement.  15% of the garbage at WPU is recycled could be 50-80%
• RecycleMania (January, 18 – March 28, 2009) http://www.recyclemaniacs.org
• Student environmental club will be formed this semester