JIMMY ZHOU

Light sources

Something I’ve noticed since trying to find ways to be more environmentally friendly is the light sources in our apartment that my roommates and I use. Personally, I live in a double with another third year in an off-campus apartment, and we both do work in the same room. Since we both like to keep busy with work, we always have both of our lamps on as well as the apartment lights to do work all day throughout the week.

However, we never actually utilize the natural light as we both also have windows that let in a ton of natural sunlight, and sunlight is year-round in LA. I’ve encouraged my whole apartment to take advantage the huge windows we have in our room, and we’ve been not using any light until it goes dark around 6pm every day. Even though this is a small change, I think it’s been a step in the right direction as we’re trying to find ways to be more environmentally conscious with the utilities in the apartment. Other than saving energy, I think we’ll also benefit from the mental health improvements that are known to be derived from natural light as opposed to artificial light. For example, sources like Healthline state that natural light boosts vitamin D, improves sleep, wards off seasonal depression, and improves mental productivity (Healthline, 2020).

Although light isn’t a hugely substantial amount of energy consumption, with time, it adds up to be quite significant. If your apartment or dorm allows, I’d encourage everyone to utilize natural light to help better the planet as well as improve your mental state especially as we’re all grinding toward finals! 

Water! Given that classes are now beginning to transition from remote to in-person, I’m sure we all have had to re-learn the small things that keep us healthy and ready for in-person lectures. Above all, that means staying hydrated especially in the heat that we experience in LA every day. Admittedly, I’ve grown up using plastic water bottles because of the convenience that my parents valued when sending me off to school every day. However, I think making an investment in a quality reusable water bottle is one of the best decisions I’ve made in college.

Although you can purchase any reusable brand for probably less than $10, I think it’s worth it to go the extra mile and spend a little more so it last much longer than a lower quality build. I’ve had my fair share of bottles where I optimized for cost, that eventually ended up being dented or the insulation doesn’t function as well once it is used for too long. I personally chose to buy a simple re-suable bottle from Hydroflask for about $35, and use it every day I go outside.

I will note that it definitely would’ve been just as good to buy another quality water bottle without the brand of Hydroflask for a bit cheaper, but I personally liked the utility of it and wanted it to be something I’d like to carry with me everywhere. These reusable water bottles also make for great gifts, so I encourage everyone to invest in one for daily life! They’re great for literally every person at every stage in life: primary/secondary school, college, work, and beyond. 

Hey guys! Ever since I got to UCLA and something I've been doing all throughout high school is avoiding transportation to classes & lectures. I invested in a bike a long time ago, and I don't go anywhere without it if the walk is >35 mins. Every day I bike to class and lock it in pretty convenient areas on campus. It's my main source of exercise, and you always get a fresh breath of air / sunshine down in LA. Sunlight also gives me the serotonin to start off the day in a right mood!

Hey everyone! Super excited to participate and be more conscious about eco-friendly habits moving forward.