Tips for Winning UNPLUG

Happy St. Patrick's Day! We're half-way through the UNPLUG energy competition and the entire nation is donning green! So, what better time than now to share some extreme energy saving tips?

I've developed a list of some fool-proof ways to win the UNPLUG energy competition. While many tips are for all parties, some will require only the elite energy conservation competitor.

No-Wash March: While a normal energy-conscious competitor would only wash full loads of laundry, the ultra-competitor can participate in this elite event. College kids only need to wash once a month anyways, right?

The Original StairMaster: No need to hit the gym for this classic. Ditch that modern contraption called the elevator and save energy while burning calories (Spring Break is approaching fast!)

Shorter Showers: Really want to win the competition? Then shower in cold water, or just add on to No-Wash March, and make it No-Shower March...(don't worry if seats beside you in class become vacant, this is a perfectly normal side effect.)

Study Like it's 1869: Use natural light whenever possible, and turn on as few lights as possible when you must. Want an edge on your competition? Get your whole floor to turn off their lights for an entire night (or week)-- use glow sticks from the dollar store for lights.

Slay the Energy Vampires: Did you know that each microwave could pop a bag of popcorn from the energy wasted just by being plugged in? Or that phone chargers are one of the top energy consuming electronics? Slay these silent villains by unplugging appliances, chargers, and electronics when not in use.

Geaux Au Natural: Girls, save both time and energy (literally) by letting your hair do it's own thing. Ditch the flat iron, blow dryers, and curling irons. Embrace your natural beauty and slap on some styling gel, and rock it with confidence.

Be Your Own Heater: Set the thermostat on low and use layers to adjust to varying temperatures. Need the whole room to heat up? Do some jumping jacks and dancing to create your own heat. Want it to cool down? Take one of those above mentioned cold showers. (Like I said, some ideas are for the die hard competitors!)

While some of these were meant to be fun, many of the core ideas are beneficial. It's amazing how much the little things can actually make a big difference when combined! Gotta go slay some energy vampires and unplug the charger!

xoxo-- Girl in the Purple Polo (with a little bit of green!)