Wednesday, December 10, 2014

MCC Sustainability Efforts for December 2014


I.    Did You Know?  Elaine Fagner and Brad Turner worked with the City of Waco
to produce an educational video on recycling efforts in Waco.  The video is
very informative and can been watched at http://vimeo.com/105660805

II.    Sustainability Activities on Campus this Fall:  
1.  MCC’s Biannual Shred and Recycle Day on November 7th was a Success!  Thanks to all who participated.  We will have the numbers for you in the Spring but your efforts helped MCC again meet its commitment to sustainability.

2.  Before leaving for our Winter Break, please: 
•    Shut down computer lab computers, monitors, document cameras, and printers during the holidays. 
•    Unplug any charging device that uses ghost energy
•    If you use a portable fan or heater, unplug them
•    If you have a microwave in your office or break room, unplug them
•    If you have a small refrigerator In your office, take this opportunity to clean it out and unplug it
•    Set your office thermostat to low
•    Close your blinds
•    Make sure all lights are off

Help us save on energy costs plus reduce the College’s vulnerability to hackers and other malicious activities this season.

3.    Computer Tips: Save energy and printing costs with a few changes.  First, change your default font to Century Gothic. It uses 30% less ink than Arial, the standard default setting in Microsoft Office programs. Also, use a smaller font size to reduce the number of pages and ink.  Before printing, use the Print Preview option to see what your printout will look like and to find last-minute errors or formatting problems.  Then, set your printer to "Fast Draft," which uses less ink and prints faster.  Did you know that a typical ink cartridge costs about $30? That translates to about $10,000 per gallon!

4.    Tips for home energy savings during the holidays.  When stringing outside lights, put them on a timer.  You will save energy and $ by insuring the lights go off at a designated time.

III.    What are your thoughts on our sustainability efforts? 
Check out our website at http://www.mclennan.edu/gogreen/ and our blog at http://mccgogreen.blogspot.com/.

Thanks for your support and wishing all a safe and happy holiday season.

The MCC Sustainability Committee