Changes

* Bulleted list itemUse hand towel instead of paper towels. Dirty towels should be taken to O’Keefe (and new towels picked up) once a week during Suite chores. Ideally, this should be a combined chore with towels in the Kitchen area.

* Bulleted list itemBathrooms should contain a waste (landfill), recycling, and compost bin. A poster describing what can go in each bin should be located on this bin or nearby it.

* Bulleted list itemWhen cleaning the bathroom, choose to use non-toxic cleaners¹.

* Bulleted list itemOpt for fans2 fans² instead of air conditioning (AC)3 if the heat is bad (and your tolerance allows). AC consumes more electricity and pushes excess heat into the air outside your room. If you do need AC, then purchase the most energy efficient version.

* Bulleted list itemFill the stairways with life! Cacti, ivy, aloe vera, mint, rosemary, and spider plants are great plants that require little maintenance. Ensure that plants are given a primary caregiver. This caregiver is responsible for watering, feeding, and loving the plants as needed. If you stick your finger in the soil and it is dry, then the plant is thirsty! Note that plants give off positive vibes⁴ and also clean the air!

* Bulleted list itemUse dish towel instead of paper towels. Dirty towels should be taken to O’Keefe (and new towels picked up) once a week during Suite chores. Ideally, this should be a combined chore with towels in the bathrooms.

* Bulleted list itemPut compostable items (food scraps and paper towels) into compost bin. Compost bin should be emptied at least once a week as a part of Kitchen chores. To keep the bin from smelling, it should be kept closed and the filter on the top of the bin should be kept intact. If the Suite chooses not to have a compost bin, then these items should be carried by the individual producer down to the Industrial Kitchens.

* Bulleted list itemEnsure that the kitchen contains a waste (landfill) and recycling bin that is properly labeled. A poster describing what can go in each bin should be located on this bin or nearby it.

* Bulleted list itemCheck that fridge and freezer are properly sealed and that the thermostats in each are kept at the recommended settings.

* Bulleted list itemWhen cleaning the kitchen, use non-toxic cleaners.

* Bulleted list itemWhen purchasing personal food items:

* Bulleted list itemEnsure that the lounge contains a waste (landfill) and recycling bin that is properly labeled. A poster describing what can go in each bin should be located on this bin or nearby it.

* Bulleted list itemCompost: paper towels and food scraps* Bulleted list itemLandfill: sanitary products, plastic films, and wrappers* Bulleted list itemRecycle: clean plastic, glass, or aluminum containers; cardboard/paper (especially paper towel/toilet paper cardboard rolls). * Bulleted list itemSpecial recycling: Batteries and lightbulbs should be taken to the basement Universal waste station (located in the exit hallway between Zapata and the laundry room). Energy bar wrappers (Cliff, Luna, Nature Valley, Kind, etc) can be recycled via Terra Cycle. Please bring these wrappers to the Industrial kitchen or Universal waste station’s specially marked bin. Sustainability steward will collect these and send them in for recycling. 10 cents per wrapper is donated to our charity of choice!* Bulleted list itemRe-use/Special recycling: Plastic grocery bags should be kept in a container in each kitchen for people to use as personal garbage bags. Once an excess is accumulated, they can be taken for special recycling at a nearby site.

* Bulleted list itemToilet: Add 1/4 c baking soda, 1/4 c vinegar, and 3 drops tea tree tree oil into toilet. It will fizz. Then use scrubber brush to get rid of any streaks. This can also be applied in the shower floor if it is dirty (but please don’t use the toilet brush).* Bulleted list itemAll Surfaces and Mirrors: In a spray bottle mix 1/2 c vinegar, 1 cup water, and 10 drops tea tree oil. Wipe down with reusable microfiber towel specifically for cleaning. This towel should be washed with the other towels as part of Suite chore.

* Bulleted list itemUse “tap cold” water when washing clothes/towels. This setting uses less energy and also prevents colors from leaching into whites. * Bulleted list itemUse the clotheslines to air dry clothes instead of drying them. Doing so will preserve the integrity of the clothes and keep them looking new longer!