Yorkwise Tips

There are many ways to do your part both on and off campus. Check out these tips on how you can be Yorkwise.

Don't leave the light on when no one is in the room. If you are going to be out of the room for more than 5 minutes, turn off the light.
Where possible, use compact florescent light bulbs.
Take a shower. A typical bath uses 75 litres of hot water, while a 5 minute shower will use half of that.
Fill your kettle with the amount of water you actually need.
Consider energy-efficient computer systems and monitors when you replace a system.
Shut off your computer, tv's, stereos or games that use electricity when you're not using them.
Change thermostat settings in rooms to 78 during warmer months and 68 during cooler months.
Dress appropriately for the season - have a sweater on hand for colder days.
When buying a new appliance, look for the Energy Star rating.
Make sure to implement the energy saving features on your computer and monitor.

Double-side your photocopies and re-use paper before recycling.
Bring a re-usable mug to school/work.
Donate your used clothing and furniture to Goodwill, Salvation Army, or clothing drives or drop off clothing at Atkinson College.
Buy or sell used books on campus at the York University bookstore.
Recycle organic waste in smaller plastic 2-wheel containers found at most loading docks marked food waste only above the bin (for food, meat and paper napkins).
Avoid contaminating washroom garbage with regular garbage. Garbage in washrooms at York is almost exclusively paper towel waste which is recycled.
Share information electronically.
Decline excess bags for your purchases.
Say no to junk mail - Contact the Canadian Direct Marketing Association and ask to have your name deleted from their mailing list.
Donate plastic shopping bags at the Scott Library for students to use to carry books.

Make use of the goSAFE service while on campus. Just look for an blue light emergency phone or use your cel phone to call 416.736.5454. The call is free from all campus payphones.
Be alert of your surroundings. Trust your instincts and notice who is nearby and what is happening in the area around you.
Try to travel with a partner. There is safety in numbers.
Be familiar with the area and know locaitons of pay and emergency blue light phones.
Do not display/carry valuable items such as jewelry and electronics on your person or in parked vehicles.

Residence students:
Always lock your residence room behind you.
Lock your door before going to sleep.
Follow the guest sign in procedures.
Ensure your guests are properly escorted within the residence at all times.
Never prop open doors or allow strangers, such as delivery persons, into the building.

Yorkwise