Going Green is a new trend where many are becoming environmentally friendly by recycling, reusing, and reducing. Not only are celebrities monitoring their amounts of energy usage and waste production, but many college students are also joining the movement.

Every University of Tennessee student pays a $5 Student Environmental Initiative fee with their tuition that contributes to making UT an environmentally efficient campus. However, students can do more to make orange green,according to members of Students PRomoting Enviornmental Action in Knoxville.

"People should research environmental issues on their own", said Stephan Holland a member of Students Promoting Environmental Action in Knoxville.

 UT students can take advantage of green programs already in place. According to Holland students can:

• Recycle- every dorm has recycle collection, and for people off campus there is a recycling center at Andy Holt garage.
• Use alternate forms of transportation- ride a bike or the KAT instead of driving your car.
• Buy green energy-if you live off campus and pay utilities though KUB buy green blocks from them to help buy solar power.
• Turn off lights or appliances when not in use- unplug them because that also uses energy.
• Use florescent light bulbs.
• Get political- vote for candidates with environmental concerns on their agendas.
• Take advantage of the wind- go outside or open windows instead of using AC.
• Take advantage of the sun- use natural light to light rooms during the day.
• Grow your own food or buy it from a co-op- Beardsley community farm has plots were you can plant your own food or buy form others.
• Get involved- join groups like SPEAK that work to promote environmental awareness.

"Becoming more aware of the environment by watching energy consumption is so important because the future of earth depends on the steps we take now," said Allyson Shipp, a sophomore in Food Science and Technology.

SPEAK's tips are small steps to joining a movement that can change the environment, according to Holland.

"Educate yourselves and open your eyes, know where your food and electricity come from," said Holland.