Recycled computer paper and notebooks

Why not?  This one's easy!  Try to pick out paper with high percentages of PCW (post-consumer waste) - these are better.  You can find this stuff at Office Depot, Staples, and websites such as greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net  (see our DIY section for an even GREENER alternative!)

Compact Fluorescent Lights(CFLs)

You won't have to worry about changing the bulb in your lamp, and you'll feel better about yourself. 

Fan

Air conditioners require a ton of energy!  When you get hot, try using a fan (or two) instead. 

Water bottle

Try not to buy bottled water all the time.  It's a big old waste of plastic (which requires energy for production and gas for transport).  Having a water bottle, such as a Nalgene, can help you be nicer to the environment and save tons of money.  Also, NYC has extremely high tap water standards!  It's delicious!

Organic cotton sheets & towels

These are pretty cool.  Who wants to sleep on synthetic fiber filled with chemicals?  Also, you can get wood-pulp sheets.  Crazy, right?  Find organic cotton sheets at Bed, Bath & Beyond or Target.  Also, www.gaiam.com has colorful organic towels that are only $8!

Organic cleaning products

Brands such as Method and Seventh Generation have all sorts of great organic and biodegradable cleaning products that don't have all of those nasty chemicals.  Check them out. Other tips:  If you don't want to drop the dollars for organic, try to buy brands that have the lowest percentage phosphates.  Look for extra concentrated solutions packaged in smaller containers, thus wasting less plastic.

Energy Star Minifridge

Yeah! Why not use 20% less energy?  Also, if you decide to get a fridge, coordinate with your roommate. 

Smaller (or no) TV

If you need a TV, do you really want a huge one?  Your room is really tiny!  You'll never be that far away from the screen, we promise.  A smaller TV will help save energy AND make your room seem more spacious. 

GENERAL TIPS

Buy Organic

By buying organic, you are decreasing chemical use and supporting conscious farmers

Buy Recycled or Used Stuff

Choosing recycled stuff is clearly great, no explanations necessary.  Remember though, buying used products is just another form of recycling.  And it's really fun!  You can find really unique clothes, furniture, etc at thrift and used stuff stores. Yeah, and it's cheap.

Look for Energy Star® Appliances

This is a program run by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that labels great energy efficient products.  For your room, you can buy Energy Star computer monitors, printers, TVs, lamps, minifridges, etc.

Support local businesses

Going for local products is great for the community and decreases shipping distances (= less gas used = better for the environment).

Web Resources!

www.newdream.org/buy/bts/reality.php  lots of really great info PLUS shopping links

www.thegreenguide.com/products/  info info info

www.freecycle.com   - give and get for free in NYC

www.ecobags.com    - cool hemp and recycled plastic bags

www.gaiam.com  shopping

greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/  great recycled paper site

http://www.green-links.org/  “new york’s environmental community resource”