Balliol Unplugged

Balliol Unplugged is the College’s energy-saving campaign. Students, staff, and Fellows are working together to try and make some real cuts in the College’s energy use.

Britain has signed a legally binding agreement to lower CO2 emissions by 80% by 2050. As much as 40% of Britain’s emissions come from individuals’ daily activities. See below for some easy changes we can all make to reduce our energy use:

Lights out

• Switch off the lights whenever you leave a room.
• Make sure you are using energy-saving light bulbs.
• Take responsibility for lights left on in common spaces. They should be off except when they are actually needed.

Gadgets and gismos

• Turn off your computer, speakers, stereo, and television when not in use.
• Only charge appliances for as long as necessary. Unplug chargers and adapters when not in use.

Hung out to dry

• Wash clothes at 30º, and run only full loads of washing.
• Ditch tumble-drying. Use a washing line, clothes-horse, or radiators.

Pots and pans

• Put lids on pans, use the right ring size for your pan, and lower the heat once the water is boiling.
• Only fill the kettle with as much water as you need. Use your mug or saucepan to fill the kettle.
• Open fridge and oven doors as little as possible.

Go the extra mile

• Reduce, reuse, and recycle.
• Buy second-hand.
• Switch to green electricity generated from 100% sustainable resources (Oxford University already uses only green electricity).
• Turn radiators down, and close windows and curtains to keep the heat in.
• Print double-sided, use recycled paper.
• Buy locally-produced food with as little packaging as possible. Buy organic. And go easy on the meat.
• Don’t use disposable items like plastic cups, plates, and bags. Go for thermoses, Tupperware boxes and bags for life (Balliol bags for life are available from the JCR Environment Officer for just £2.00!).
• Walk, cycle, or take public transport instead of driving. See the Cycle to Work scheme.
• Choose overland adventures – trains, buses, bikes, camper-vans – whenever you can, choose not to fly and stay grounded!