Does living sustainably matter to you? Do you want to inspire others and help us all live lightly on the Earth? Go Green with the Green Planet Living-Learning Community (LLC). We’re the LEED Platinum of LLCs! We’re home to learners and leaders who believe that protecting our home planet is the ONLY way we will all thrive and prosper. Green Team members come from all disciplines and work together to support our University goals and explore sustainable solutions to the most pressing challenges facing our planet and our people. Together we learn about a variety of cutting-edge technologies and approaches to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Green Planet LLC is open to ALL students from ALL majors!

https://blogs.umb.edu/greenplanetllc/the-green-planet-living-learning-community/living-the-green-life/

Zero-Waste Move-In

Sustainable “what to bring”

 

Green your living space

Green your living space

Green clean indoor air

Indoor pollution sources

Green Planet Classes Fall 2019 (coming soon)

Green Planeteers don’t waste a thing –
they put their knowledge to work right
away in First Seminar for a Green Planet
(Fall 2019) and Sustaining a Green Planet
(Spring 2020)

Sign me up for this Green Planet thing!

What’s happening!? I just gotta know!

Steps to a zero-waste move-in

Choose boxes you can reuse

Find sturdy plastic totes you can use for storage during the year in your closet (dimensions?) or under your bed (dimensions). You can also send them back home, and use them to move out in the fall.

Get creative with packing

Pack any breakables in your clothes, towels, blankets or sheets. Think about it, you don’t have to spend money buying bubble wrap!

Recycle

If 1 and 2 don’t work, recycle both boxes (get them from liquor stores, or as we say in Bah-ston “the packy”) and wrapping material. And then be ready to recycle this material when you get to campus.

Sustainable “what to bring” 

downloadable list

BEDROOM

  • Linens and Pillows.  There are a myriad of organic options.  Consider eco-friendly materials like bamboo or certified organic fair trade bedding.  Many companies you can easily find on line are socially responsible companies who contribute profits to numerous green charities.
  • Clothes Hangers.  Avoid plastic hangers unless you’re reusing old ones. Consider getting some sugarcane or bamboo hangers available pretty much anywhere hangers are sold.
  • Storage bins/foot locker. Keep clutter off your floor and get some under-bed storage bins made from recycled boxes covered with fabric, old bureau drawers with some wheels on the bottom, or reused and upcycled old military locker.  Don’t bring plastic drawers or bins. Not only are they bad for the planet but they attract, due to static, all the dust in your room!
  • Desk Lamp. Get a lamp that uses LEDs with the lamp made of natural, recycled or reused materials. There are many eco-friendly options with the friendliest being buying a used lamp from one of the many green/sustainability centered exchanges on-line.  You can even go solar with a solar-powered lamp.
  • Desk organizer and supplies. Make your own by recycling old tin cans as pen/pencil holders, a decorated shoe box or anything else you can imagine.  If you buy desk organizing items be sure to buy items made from organic, recycled or reused materials like bamboo, reclaimed wood, reclaimed metal etc.  Don’t buy new plastic stuff.  For supplies like pens, pencils, notebooks, and paper check out the UMass Boston campus bookstore which carries a line of bio-based products.  You can also buy cardboard pens, pens and pencils made from recycled materials with inks and “lead” that is 100% organic and toxin free.
  • Alarm clock. We imagine you don’t need one of these given you likely have a smart phone, computer, and/or tablet that can fill this roll.  But if you want a gadget get a solar alarm clock.  And whether you buy a solar one or use your device consider using an app like Sunrise that simulates dawn and that eases your body in leaving the deep sleep cycle and preparing you to wake up.  The “wake up” hormones being triggered by easing into simulated daylight will help to get awake and stay awake all day.
  • Recycling bin. UMass Boston is a Green campus.  We have an aggressive recycling program and are leaders in higher education in attaining low waste and high recycling rates.  That means you need a recycling bin for your room. You should actually have 2.  One will be used for paper and cardboard recycling and the other for cans, recyclable glass, and recyclable plastics.  You may even consider getting a composter so you can compost food waste to use for your plants that you will have in your room for cleaning the air and removing toxins.
    • Not all recycling bins are created equal.  Since many are made of plastic make sure you get one made from recycled materials or from post-consumer cardboard with lots of choices available online.
    • If you’re wicked into recycling you can even split out your cardboard from your paper and your glass from your plastics though you don’t need to as Boston is currently a single stream recycler.  You should know what is NOT recyclable though.  Boston does not recycle styrofoam, plastic bags, motor oil containers, chemical containers, ceramics/dishes, light bulbs, window glass and mirrors, yard waste, food waste, televisions, and computer monitors.

BATHROOM

  • Soap dish and toothbrush holder. Just reuse an old mug or drinking cup for a toothbrush holder.  Use an old tea cup saucer and put some small pebbles on it and your soap on the pebbles and boom you’ve got a decorative and functional soap dish.  Don’t buy something new.  Don’t want to leave your soap in the common bathroom?  Create a soap caddy out of an old plastic bottle, just cut it to the shape you want and hang it anywhere or use an old onion bag by putting the soap in it, wrapping the bag around it and tying a knot to close it around the soap and another knot to create a loop to hang it.
  • Rug/bath mat. There are many options for buying a bath mat made from recycled material but ask yourself, do you need a bath mat?  Bring a few extra towels, fold them up and put them on the floor when you need them and pull them up and hang to dry when you don’t.
  • Shower organizer. Once again look for recycled materials. Avoid metal as the material won’t hold up for long.  Bamboo is an excellent option as it withstands the humidity and is naturally antibacterial.
  • Toilet paper. You will find a plethora of eco-friendly options.  Stick to single ply tissue as this reduces paper waste and the associated impact on our water treatment plant.  While you may think cloth toilet paper is a groovy option because you’re living in a common space we recommend you avoid it unless you’re a pro at using it.
  • Over the door hook. Lots of reclaimed wood options or sustainably farmed wood options.  Check out the thrift stores too for lots of great options to reuse.
  • Shower curtain and hooks.  Watch out for vinyl curtains as they degas lots of chemicals for quick a while after installing them.  They also provide the perfect environment for mold to thrive.  Look into hemp or organic cotton curtains.  Better yet make your own from an old sheet.  Skip the hooks by taking the sheet, folding it over a rod and sewing along the length of the rod.  Slip it off, pack it up and you’re ready to go.
  • Plunger. Check out a thrift store and get a used one.

CLEANING SUPPLIES

  • Mop, broom, and dust pan. Your best bet for going green with these is to visit a thrift store and get used items.  If you decide to buy new get a mop made of cotton fibers and a broom made from broomcorn.
  • Cleaning products. There are many green cleaning products available, from Seventh Heaven and other companies.  Look for products that use natural ingredients and do not contain phosphates or lauryl sulfates.  Also make sure the packaging is minimal and containers are made from BPA-free recyclable plastic or glass.  This is one of the easiest categories to go green in!
  • Garbage can and bags. As is the case with recycling bins you can buy cans made out of recycled materials and can also get bags that are sustainably produced and made of degradable material.  Look for compostable, biodegradable “biobags” available in many stores and on-line.  Also remember you can reuse other things like your non-green friends plastic grocery bags!  But you will help them be green so the supply won’t last very long.

Other sustainable options

  • Personal products. From shampoo to toothpaste to deodorant and more there are myriad options for you to select from that are sustainably produced, all-natural, non-animal tested, and toxin-free.  The UMass Boston campus bookstore carries many of these products including cosmetics.
  • Computers and Electronics. In addition to Energy Star appliances you need to think a lot about your computer and its peripherals.  Make sure you power down your computer when not in use.  Use the energy saving settings like sleep when your computer is on.  Set your personal printer to print double sided as a default and if your roommate also has a printer only use one of them and bring the other home or put in storage.  At all times you need to reduce vampire energy loss, the energy consumed by “resting” electric items.  Unplug, unplug, and unplug any electronic device or appliance that you don’t use often like a hairdryer or continuously like a phone charger.  DO NOT plug items directly into the wall.  Use a power strip that allows you to toggle power on and off so you can control power use by a cluster of devices so they don’t consume electricity when you’re not home.  For your computer and TV use an advanced power strip (APS) which prevent the devices from drawing power when they are off or not being used. You can get fancy ones that have built in activity monitors so they shut off your TV after you fall asleep!

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Green your living space

downloadable list

Reduce Energy Consumption

Switch off the lights in unoccupied rooms.
Make use of natural light during the day.
Replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs, which can last more than 40 times longer and use 90% less electricity.
Plug electronics into a power strip and switch off the power when they are not in use; some electronics continue to draw energy even after they’re turned off.
Enable sleep mode (vs. a screen saver) on your computer, and turn off your monitor when it’s not in use.
Keep windows closed when the heat is on (if it is still uncomfortable, contact your Resident Assistant or your off-campus housing building manager).
Adjust the temperature if you have a thermostat. UMass Boston’s guidelines specify heating rooms to 68°F degrees in the winter and cooling rooms to 78°F degrees in the summer.
Look for the Energy Star when purchasing appliances and electronics.
Bike to class and around campus, and always wear a helmet!

Save Water

Don’t let the water run. Turning a showerhead on before you get in or letting a faucet run while you brush your teeth can waste more than a gallon every minute.
Take fewer and shorter showers. The average 15 minute shower uses 22.5 gallons of water; a 25 minute shower uses nearly 40 gallons. And shorter showers also mean you can wake up later!
Report any leaks. Drippy faucets can waste more than 3,000 gallons each year; a leaky toilet can waste about 200 gallons each day. To report a leak, contact your Resident Assistant or your off-campus housing building manager.
Plug electronics into a power strip and switch off the power when they are not in use; some electronics continue to draw energy even after they’re turned off.
Wash only full loads of laundry in cold water; each washer load uses ~40 gallons of water. Air dry your clothes to save energy.

Reduce Waste and Increase Recycling

Carry a reusable water bottle or mug. Use one of the many water stations around the dorms and campus.
Buy second-hand furniture, books, and clothing for big savings. Search on-line exchange sites that are just for college students such as CURBBED and UNITIQUES for discount and second-hand items and Boston’s numerous local thrift and consignment stores for deals on books, furniture, electronics and more.
Follow the UMBeGreen Recycling Guidelines and learn how to properly recycle plastic, paper, cans, bottles, and more!
Donate to end-of-the-year drives (books, food, furniture, and school supplies). Trash increases significantly at the end of each academic year.
Reduce paper use by only printing double-sided. UMass Boston uses 30% post-consumer, chlorine-free recycled printer paper.  Hey Green Planet LLC!  Let’s help UMass Boston move to 100% post-consumer paper this year, who’s in?

Shop Greener

Opt for natural and organic locally produced food, natural and organic personal care products, textiles (i.e. bedding and towels) and cleaners.  Check out the campus bookstore and the many farmer’s and fish markets in the City.
When dining out go to certified Green Restaurants.  Boston has numerous options for a variety of palettes.
Choose reusable over disposables for dishware, silverware, shopping bags, mugs and water bottles. Campus cafés offer discounts to people who bring their own mugs. Get reusable bamboo utensils to avoid using plastic when eating on the go.
Shop for clothing in consignment or thrift stores. Boston has amazing consignment and thrift options just a bike ride or quick trip down the red line from campus.
Decorate with live plants to help filter indoor air pollutants. Check out our list of recommended house plants!

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Breathe easy with these roommates

downloadable list

 

 

Plant name

 

 

Description

Chemical vapor removal* Light require- ment  

 

Remarks

Areca palm (butterfly palm), Dypsis lutescens Clusters of erect, slender, cane-like stalks with feathery yellow-green fronds. 8 Sun to semi-sun Releases an abundant amount of moisture into the air. Fast growing.
Bamboo palm, Chamadorea elegans or C. erumpens Clusters of small slender canes. Graceful fans with rich green color. 9 Semi-sun Releases an abundant amount of moisture into the air. Easy to care for.
Boston fern, Nephrolepis exaltata Stiff fronds arch outwards, drooping downward as they age. 9 Semi-sun Releases an abundant amount of moisture into the air. Ideal for hanging baskets. Mist and water frequently to reduce leaf drop.
Corn plant, Dracaena fragrans ‘Massangeana’ Shiny medium green leaves with a bold yellow-white stripe down the center. Develops a solid woody stem. Leaves 8 Semi- shade Survives in dimly lit areas. Occasionally will send up a small spray of fragrant white flowers.
Dendrobium orchid Has beautiful exotic blooms, usually in clusters or in a row along canes. 7 Semi-sun Flowers are long lasting.
Dracaena deremensis ‘Janet Craig’ Erect stems with a rosette of broad, smooth, glossy, darkgreen leaves 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. 8 Semi- shade Grows quickly. Tolerates dimly lit areas, but growth will be slow.
Dracaena deremensis ‘Warneckei’ Leaves, 2 feet long and 2 inches wide, are green with white and gray-green stripes. 6 Semi- shade Grows slowly. Tolerates low light and dry air. Retains its variegation in low light.
Dragon tree, Dracaena marginata Smooth, gray, erect canes. Leaves, 2 feet long and 1/2 inch wide, are deep, glossy green with red edges along the margins. Leaves cluster at the end of each cane. 6 Semi-sun to semi- shade Tolerates relatively low light and dry air.
Dumbcane, Dieffenbachia varieties* Wide, blotched green and white (cream) leaves. Unbranched stems arch downward. 7 Semi-sun to semi-shade Fast growth.
Dwarf date palm, Phoenix roebelini Stately main trunk with graceful, green fans that droop elegantly. Fronds reach 3 feet and grow horizontally. 9 Semi-sun Very slow grower. Adapts well to low light levels.
English ivy, Hedera helix* Vigorous climber which sends out aerial roots that attach to any surface. Dark green leaves have 3 to 5 lobes. 9 Semi-sun to semi- shade Easy to grow. Ideal for hanging baskets. Generally does not do well in high temperatures.
Ficus bennendijkii ‘Alii’ Slender dark green leaves. 7 Full sun and semi-sun Easy to grow. May have some leaf drop until it adjusts to its new location.

*Rating 1 to 10, with 10 being excellent. May be hazardous or toxic if eaten or comes in contact with eyes or skin; keep plants away from children.

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Sources of Indoor Pollution

downloadable list

Sources of Indoor Pollution

Want to know more?  Read  Kent D. Kobayashi, Andrew J. Kaufman, John Grifis, and James McConnell, “Using Houseplants To Clean Indoor Air,” Dec. 2007 Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Guam. http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/of- 39.pdf