Green In’ is a collaboration between NUS Office of Environmental Sustainability (OES) and NUS Co-op@Forum to bring the message of sustainability to the NUS community. Over a period of 2 weeks from 16 – 27 September 2013, students and staff were invited to read environment-themed books, make a silk-screened reusable bag and meet an environment fantasy author.
Read
A wide selection of environment-themed books were specially brought in by OES and NUS Co-op. Sustainability professionals and thought leaders from different fields of business, design and policy pen their experiences in books. Environment fantasy novels were brought in as well.
Make
A silk-screened bag workshop was organized as a fun way to personalize reusable bags. Reusable bags are a great way to reduce the use of plastic bags. Using the silk-screen method to print various designs on reusable bags is fun and easy.
Meet
An author meet-and-greet featuring Shamini Flint, a lawyer turned writer/activist/ lecturer was organized. Her books, Seeds of Time and Journey of the Chosen, narrated the adventures of children who could talk to animals and their attempts in saving the world. Her talk inspired the audience to think about how they can do more for the environment.
Would you like to do more for the environment? OES has some tips to share on how you can be more sustainable.
SustainABLE Energy
1.Switch off air-conditioning whenever possible
2. Set the air-conditioning thermostat to 25 Degree Celsius or higher
3. Switch off lights whenever you are the last to leave any room
4. Switch off your computer (at source) when not in use
5. Enable all the energy-saving features on your computer
6. Turn off your monitor when you won’t be using it for at least 20 minutes.
7. Reduce the brightness of your computer monitor and change the screen saver setting to ‘none’
SustainABLE Water
1. Fix leaks that could be wasting gallons of water
2. Take showers of not more than 5 minutes
3. Use thimbles to curb water use
4. Use half-flush
5. Do not use the WCs as a rubbish chute
6. Do not leave the tap running while you clean your teeth or shave
7. Do your laundry only when you have full load
SustainABLE Recycling
1. Reduce your waste – always say no to plastic bags and use a reusable bag
2. Go paperless! Avoid unnecessary printing
3. Bring your own tumbler, mug and lunch box to reduce the use of disposables
4. Avoid food wastage and only order what you can eat
5. Know how and where to recycle paper, plastics and metal cans on campus
6. Rinse recyclables before putting them in the recycling bin
7. Recycle old phones and used pens at various collection points around campus
SustainABLE Spaces
1. Grow a native potted plant at home or in your office, for cleaner air
2. Get involved in your local community garden
3. Grow your own mini herb or vegetable garden
4. Compost raw fruit and vegetable scraps for a simple and effective fertilizer
5. Take the Kent Ridge Heritage Trail to learn more about local history and biodiversity
6. Escape from busy city life to one of Singapore’s many beautiful parks
7. Look out for the many fascinating species of plants, birds and animals within and beyond campus. Visit http://florafaunaweb.nparks.gov.sg/ for more info
SustainABLE Mobility
1. Walk short distances between faculties/ canteens/ sports facilities on campus
2. Always opt for the stairs instead of the lifts
3. Cycle to and between faculties where possible
4. Use the internal shuttle bus for longer distance journeys around campus
5. Avoid driving – use public transport or car pool with friends and colleagues
6. Plan journeys well so that you do not have to travel unnecessarily
7. Limit your air travel as much as possible – this form of transport has the greatest carbon footprint