Here are some ideas we can all consider for being environmentally friendly college students.

1. Drive as little as you have to. One of our greatest personal impacts tends to be the energy used and pollution produced from driving our cars.

How many of us really live so far away from campus that we have to drive to class? Of those that might, how many live where a CATA bus or shuttle doesn't run? Try walking, riding a bike or taking public transportation.

2. Use less paper. Students at Penn State consume amazing amounts of paper, the vast majority of which is used for notes, scrap paper or day-to-day homework assignments. Make sure you use both sides of every sheet of paper. Take a three-hole punch and make a notebook out of the backs of old assignments or expired fliers. Turn in homework on non-virgin paper such as the infamous separator sheets, and most professors at Penn State do accept assignments on reused paper.

3. Recycle everything possible. Keep a separate waste can for recyclables. If you live in the dorms, be sure your floor has all seven types of recycling bins. To answer the popular question, as long as they aren't contaminated with trash, recycling bins usually are recycled here.

4. Reuse products as many times as you can. Use a washable plate instead of disposable paper plates. As an alternative to paper towels and napkins, try using cloth napkins whenever possible, and just throw them in with your laundry. Take reusable bags with you when you go to the store. If you tend to accumulate plastic bags, some grocery stores have barrels near the entrance to collect used bags for recycling, but reusing your current bags is instant recycling and saves a lot of energy. Some grocery stores will even give you money back every time you bring your own bags.

5. Consider the ethics of businesses and corporations from whom you are buying products. Where are their products made? What are their working conditions? Where do they get their raw materials?

6. Eat food low on the food chain. This means eat more fruits and vegetables and less meat products. Meat products are usually very land-intensive and a lot of energy is lost from the grazing field to you. You'll lower your impact and be healthier too!

7. Include plants in your personal living spaces. Plants not only make rooms much more pleasant to be in, but they also can improve air quality.

8. Buy locally and organically grown produce. Most of the food we eat travels hundreds, if not thousands, of miles to get to us, and far more energy is used in transporting it than it even contains. There are plenty of places to buy local and/or organic foods in State College, such as The Granary, Morgen's Natural Market, two farmers' markets and you can usually even find some organic produce at some local grocery stores.

9. Waste as little food as possible and compost food scraps. Composting is legal in State College as long as it's not in your front yard and you don't try to compost meat or anything that would attract a lot of animals.

10. Boycott styrofoam! Use a reusable mug the next time you are heading to the HUB eateries or when picking up some coffee on the way to class in the morning. Using a mug at places as the HUB will save you money too!

11. Turn off the lights every time you leave a room. Does the hall bathroom light really need to be on at 4:30 in the morning? Turn off your computer when it's not in use too -- especially your monitor.

12. Wash your clothes in cold water whenever possible. Also, hang dry clothes instead of using a dryer whatever you can.

13. Turn the faucet off while brushing your teeth, shaving and washing your face. Always be sure to fully turn off dripping faucets and showerheads.

14. Take shorter showers. Next time you take a shower, think about the amount of time you spend cleaning yourself and amount of time you spend standing there.

15. Go outside and play! Hiking, most sports and just spending time out in the fresh air can be great for both you and the planet.