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Next stop on our sustainability tour? The laundry room and bathroom! These two areas are resource hogs, consuming both water and energy. Let's get started, so you can green up while you clean up.
Only wash full loads of laundry
Get the most out of your wash by only washing full loads of laundry. If you only have enough laundry for a half-load, offer to share the wash with a friend.
Use cold water
It takes energy to heat water, so try using cold water to wash your clothes. Check out 'Numbers' above for more information about the amount of energy needed to heat water.
Switch to laundry detergent sheets
These sheets take up less space, generate less plastic and contribute less carbon emissions.
Turn off faucet
Shaving? Washing your face? Brushing your teeth? Turn off the faucet when you aren't actively using it.
Take shorter showers
We love showers just as much as you, but cutting your shower time by 2 minutes every day can save 28 gallons a week.
Report leaks to maintenance
A small faucet leak can waste up to 20 gallons a day. Report leaks to Housing Maintenance by submitting a work order at housing.usc.edu.
Use eco-friendly products
Many personal care products contain potentially harmful ingredients. Skip the sulfates and buy natural alternatives. Your body and the environment will thank you!
Avoid microbeads - those tiny plastic particles in your personal care products. Instead, choose cosmetics with natural ingredients like walnut shells or sugar.
Numbers
Water Usage
Housing residents use approximately 68 million gallons of water a year, that's enough water to:
- Fill 2,300 backyard pools
- Cover the Coliseum in 11 feet of water
Energy for Heating Water
Not only is water used in the bathroom, energy is also used to heat water. It takes 1.7 kWh of electricity for a 7 minute shower. This is enough electricity to power a lightbulb for 14 hours.
Water Saved by Taking Shorter Showers
You will save 5,500 gallons of water a year by taking a 5 minute shower. If all USC Housing residents did this, we would save 35.5 million gallons of water a year - enough to do laundry for the entire state of Nebraska. H2 WOAH!
Disclaimer - You are leaving the USC Housing Website
DISCLAIMER - YOU ARE LEAVING THE USC HOUSING WEBSITE
LISTINGS APPEARING ON THE FOLLOWING SITE ARE NOT ENDORSED OR
GUARANTEED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. YOU ARE SOLELY
RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR CHOICE OF LANDLORD AND RENTAL UNIT.
The listing of rental units on this site is provided as a convenience to University of Southern California ("University") students, faculty and staff. Off Campus Housing (OCH), the site operator, requires that Landlords report information accurately and fairly, however neither the site operator nor the University are able to verify the accuracy of information contained in listings. The University and OCH cannot and do not vouch for the fairness or accuracy of information posted on the site by third parties. If a property is listed on this web site, that does not mean the University or OCH endorses or approves the landlord, its properties or business practices. It also is not a guarantee by the University or OCH that the property complies with building, safety or fire codes, or that it is clean or safe or otherwise suitable for your use. Before signing a lease you are responsible to learn about the property, about your landlord and about the landlord's property manager. You are also responsible for understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. The University and OCH are not responsible for any problems that may occur with your rental unit or any disputes that may arise between you and your landlord. All prospective tenants are encouraged to exercise common sense and good judgment when evaluating prospective rental units and landlords.
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