Unplugging cell phone chargers, turning laptops on Sleep mode and taking shorter showers are among a list of changes many students pledged to make this month.The College of Engineering is sponsoring a campus-wide competition to conserve energy which beings tonight.This year marks the second annual UNPLUG competition. Nineteen on-campus dormitories and apartments are participating in UNPLUG.The month-long competition began last night with a kick-off event at the 459 Commons and The 5 dining halls from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. A number of students pledged to conserve energy at the event. Students who pledged their support for UNPLUG were entered in a drawing for Paw Points.”We’re trying to be good stewards of our resources, both on campus and after we leave campus,” said Catherine David, Communications Coordinator for the Department of Residential Life. Several ways to conserve energy include unplugging electronics such as cell phone chargers, video gaming devices, flat irons, iPod speakers and televisions when not in use. Residential Life also suggests students adjust their thermostats to 78 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the winter whenever possible.
The winner will be determined by which community reduces its energy consumption the most from this time in 2009.The winning community will be awarded with a celebration in their building March 30 at 7 p.m. Pizza courtesy of Mellow Mushroom, drinks, and prizes will be provided.
“The College of Engineering has been a great partner in this program because energy conservation is a huge part of what they do,” David said. “We’re trying to increase awareness among students.”
—–Contact Sabrina Trahan at [email protected]