My area of focus for the Earth month challenge is energy and transportation. I am interested in this particular topic because Morrill tower, at nearly the same time, was advertising a challenge to conserve energy in a competition. There are plenty of things to do to conserve energy so that any person is able to participate.

1.One of the most basic things you can do to preserve energy is to turn off lights and appliance when you leave the room. Most people, I’m sure, are tired of hearing this, but it really is one of the easiest ways to conserve energy.

2. In a similar way, unplugging appliance when you’re done with them will save some power. Plugged in appliance still take energy from the wall when they are not in use.

3. Appliances, also, should be shopped for carefully. Older and outdated appliances are more likely to be inefficient and use more energy. Be sure to buy the most energy efficient models.

4.When washing clothes or dishes, try to use warm or cold water rather than hot. This will use the water heater less -a major contributor to power use.

5.In fact, another way to preserve energy is to directly change temperature settings on your home’s water heater.

6.Carefully heat and cool rooms, overheating and over-cooling rooms when no one is home can become a chronic energy problem if it is not managed

7.Replace or clean air filters in air conditioners regularly to maintain efficiency

8.Replace old light bulbs with new florescent bulbs

9.Insulate your water heater so it will not lose heat hen idling

10. Install low flow shower heads and toilets in your home to reduce water waste

11. Instead of taking the elevator each day, use stairs whenever you’re able, as often as you can

12.Bike or walk instead of driving or taking the bus

13. If you cannot bike or walk, simply use the bus instead of driving your own car

14.consider buying a laptop instead of a desktop, they use less energy

15.Keep the refrigerator and freezer full

ENR scholars is a great resource to ask energy conservation questions to. Also, the President and Provost’s council on sustainability is serving as the main coordination point for conservation efforts of the university. Finally, the Council on the Physical Environment will answer any conservation questions and provide resources.

Many online resources exist that can help anyone conserve energy. I’ve found four websites that provide tips that can help homeowners, business owners, and just about anyone else reduce their impact. These four websites may help anyone looking to save some money and some power:

http://www.ecomall.com/greenshopping/20things.htm 

https://www.progress-energy.com/carolinas/home/save-energy-money/energy-saving-tips-calculators/100-tips.page?

http://www.powerhousetv.com/Energy-EfficientLiving/Energy-savingsTips/027471

https://www.ovoenergy.com/guides/energy-guides/120-ways-to-save-energy.html 

The second semester Columbus to do list is a project I am looking forward to. First semester, I really enjoyed completing the downtown to do list. I saw everything from the Columbus art museum to Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Emporium.

This semester I am choosing to complete the coffee and tea to do list. This is mostly because of the caffeine dependence that I have built up over the past few months, but also because it is something I enjoy to do in my spare time anyway. I am really looking forward to finding some new spots on High Street to unwind, study, or get a boost for the day. A person can only drink so much Morrill Tower coffee before it gets old. There are ten coffee and tea shops on the to do list, and I don’t think it would be difficult at all for me to visit each one in more than a few days if I was feeling a need to restock the coffee and tea in my room.

One of the shops on the list, Mission coffee, was the first place I was able to visit. I thought to take a bus there but ended up walking instead because the COTA was shut down for a period when I decided to go. The little, blue shop gave off a relaxing vibe and was very friendly inside. It was cheap, easy, and also some of the best chai tea I’ve had in a very long time.

ENR Downtown

[ “G.O.A.L.S.” is a place where students write about how their planned, current, and future activities may fit into the Honors & Scholars G.O.A.L.S.: Global Awareness, Original Inquiry, Academic Enrichment, Leadership Development, and Service Engagement. For more information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio. Delete these instructions and add your own post.

Global Awareness: Students cultivate and develop their appreciation for diversity and each individual’s unique differences. For example, consider course work, study abroad, involvement in cultural organizations or activities, etc .
Original Inquiry: Honors & Scholars students understand the research process by engaging in experiences ranging from in-class scholarly endeavors to creative inquiry projects to independent experiences with top researchers across campus and in the global community. For example, consider research, creative productions or performances, advanced course work, etc.
Academic Enrichment: Honors & Scholars students pursue academic excellence through rigorous curricular experiences beyond the university norm both in and out of the classroom.
Leadership Development: Honors & Scholars students develop leadership skills that can be demonstrated in the classroom, in the community, in their co-curricular activities, and in their future roles in society.
Service Engagement: Honors & Scholars students commit to service to the community.]