A green revolution is in full swing at many campuses as a growing number of colleges adopt Earth-friendly programs for students and staff. Eco-conscious students can join the movement by following these 10 super-simple steps to go green on campus:

• Use recycled paper and notebooks. Recycled paper costs a little more, but it saves trees, water and electricity. If your college bookstore doesn’t sell recycled paper products, you can find them at major office stores like Staples and Office Depot. A variety of “green” paper outlets also are available online.
• Ride your bike or walk to class. You can help reduce motor vehicle emissions by using pedal or foot power instead of an automobile. Many large colleges have shuttles available to take you to remote locations on campus. If you are a commuter, consider carpooling.
• Give up bottled water. Bottled water produces an estimated 1.5 million tons of plastic waste each year. Avoid the expense and the waste by buying a reusable water bottle instead. You can fill your bottle with tap water or invest in a filter pitcher to improve the taste.
• Unplug. Don’t waste energy and money by keeping your computer or other electronic devices turned on all the time. Even while in sleep mode, they suck up energy. Unplug laptops, printers, hair appliances and cell phone chargers when they aren’t in use. Turn off the lights when you leave a room.
• Invest in reusable dishes. Instead of using throwaway paper or foam plates in your dorm room, choose plates, cups, bowls and utensils that can be washed after every use. Investing in reusable ware will actually save money over time as well.
• Buy energy-efficient appliances and computers. When possible, share the common kitchen in your dorm instead of bringing your own microwave and mini-refrigerator to campus. If you do bring your own appliances, choose ones that have been awarded an Energy Star label.
• Change your light bulbs. Make the switch from traditional incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL). CFLs use about 75 percent less energy. Although they cost a little more to buy than incandescent bulbs, they save money in the long run because they last up to ten times longer.
• Choose used textbooks instead of new ones. Many college bookstores buy and sell used textbooks, but there also are many online sources where you can buy used books for a fraction of the original cost. In addition to saving paper, you can save money by buying from other students like yourself. Then resell your own textbooks to other students.
• Buy and sell used items. Americans add mountains of trash to landfills every year. So consider skipping that trip to the mall and looking for used items on Craigslist and Ebay. Instead of tossing dorm furnishings in the dumpster at the end of the school year, donate them to Goodwill or to a homeless shelter.
• Recycle. Don’t just toss your pop cans, plastic bottles and magazines in the trash. Drop them in recycling bins on campus.

Submitted by Guest Contributor, Louise Baker, a freelance blogger who usually writes about accredited online colleges for Zen College Life. Her most recent article ranked x-ray technician degrees.